A CIA veteran with extensive experience in covert operations presents a guide to the art of spycraft while illuminating the CIA's essential role, sharing a cautionary message about its recent transition toward paramilitary activities.

Inside the invisible government : the Farm, 199 -- Mules, pick-up trucks, and Stinger missiles : Afghanistan, 1986 -- "Your friend called from the airport" : Chile, 1971-74 -- "We need to polygraph him" : Washington, 1985-86 -- "Jack, this changes it all, doesn't it?" : Washington/Afghanistan, 1986-87 -- Do I lie to the Pope, or break cover? : Italy, 1988 -- Selling the linear strategy, one lunch at a time : Washington, 1990-92 -- Jousting with the Soviets : when I knew it was over : Washington, 1990-92 -- A new boss, a bad penny, and a principled heroin dissent : Washington, 1990-92 -- The rooster and the train : Washington/Haiti, 1992-94 -- Raising the bar : Washington, 1994-95 -- Undisclosed : 1995-98-- Splitting a steak : New York City and Washington, D.C., 1999-0resent -- Good hunting : New York, 2014- .