The Master of Disguise by Antonio J. Mendez

For the first time, the CIA has authorized a top-level operative to tell all in an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at espionage in action. an undisputed genius who could create an entirely new identity for anybody, anywhere, anytime, Antonio J. Mendez combined the cunning tricks of a magician with the analytical insight of a psychologist to help hundreds of people escape potentially fatal situations. From "Wild West" adventures in East Asia to Cold War intrigue in Moscow and helping six Americans escape revolutionary Tehran in 1980, Mendez was on the scene. Here he gives us a privileged look at what really happens in the field and behind closed doors at the highest levels of international espionage, some of it shocking, frightening, and wildly inventive--all of it unforgettable.

The Master of Disguise is a book that feels better than it actually is. While reading it I generally enjoyed it but the more I thought about it the less I liked it. The main reason for this disconnect is that upon reflection I’m not totally sure what it’s supposed to be simply because it’s not great at anything I can think of. Is it an inside look at intelligence operations during the Cold War? Kind of, except so much of what was used was still classified at the time of its writing, meaning so many details have to be left out. Is it a guy telling stories about his time in the CIA? You could say that, except it’s written in an extremely professional, dry manner that makes it hard to appreciate. Is it a memoir of a genuinely interesting guy who lived a fascinating life? Sort of, we only get bits and pieces about who Mendez is outside of the CIA and even then heavy periods of his CIA life are glossed over. As such it’s hard to really praise it when I can’t put my finger on what exactly I’d be praising it for.

There’s also the fact that this is a weird book to talk about simply because of what it is and when it was written: an insider account on American espionage during the Cold War published in 1999. As such, it’s a book that feels like a victory lap as America had defeated its greatest enemy two years before the nation’s collective conscience was completely shaken. Does that make this book an effective time capsule? Once again I can’t really say it’s that either because the book doesn’t evoke the feelings of the late 90s.

All that said, this book is a fun ride at points. It’s at its best when giving these little microdetails about certain declassified techniques. If the book was all that then it would be great. As such it’s really not that and for that reason I can’t really recommend it, even to someone who is interested in this topic.

With a budding variety of espionage history and CIA dirty laundry being aired, this particular memoir presented a refreshing and unique viewpoint. I'm glad I stumbled upon the opportunity to read this and I feel it delivers every bit of the four stars I have awarded the experience. Tony presents his history in a fun, well organized, an interesting way. He helps you widen your view of the complex nature of professional espionage without an overbearing focus on the deep, dark horrors of the game many people play. Despite the mostly technical, rather than the mainly covert experiences Tony had, he does not hesitate to clue his readers in when it comes to explaining his quite personal operational activity.

Finally, often times in books surrounding this topic, you wonder how much of what is delivered is falsified intentionally. I felt Tony opted to graciously decline the details which remain classified or would bring harm upon the profession or the professionals within the field, rather than fabricating a lie in it's place. For that, I extend my gratitude as well as my already flowing respect for this author.