Originally published: 1963.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The historical setting -- The evolution of American intelligence -- America's intelligence requirements -- The task of collection -- Collection-enter the machine -- Planning and guidance -- The main opponent-the communist intelligence services -- Counterintelligence -- Volunteers -- Confusing the adversary -- How intelligence is put to use -- The man on the job -- Myths, mishaps and mischief-makers -- The role of intelligence in the Cold War -- Security in a free society -- The intelligence service and our freedoms.

"If the experts could point to any single book as a starting point for understanding the subject of intelligence from the late twentieth century to today, that single book would be Allen W. Dulles's The Craft of Intelligence. This classic of spycraft is based on Allen Dulles's incomparable experience as a diplomat, international lawyer, and America's premier intelligence officer. Dulles was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor--the Office of Strategic Services--and was present at the inception of the CIA, where he served eight of his ten years there as director. Here he sums up what he learned about intelligence from nearly a half-century of experience in foreign affairs."--Provided by publisher.