This is the true account of the formation of the office of strategic services (OSS), the forerunner of the CIA - from its beginnings, when the enemy described it on Radio Berlin as fifty professors, twenty monkeys, ten goats, twelve Guinea pigs and a staff of Jewish scribblers - through its development into a finely-honed organization of 15,000 men and women. Despite strong opposition from the Army, Navy, FBI, State Department, America's first attempt at organized, full-scale espionage began in mid 1941. It would become a major factor in winning World War II. After World War II, The U.S. government recognized the need for a full-time intelligence organization. Thus out of the successes of the OSS, the CIA was born. -- From the book jacket.

Prelude -- The birth of B.S.C. -- Spies, saboteurs and propagandists -- The Vichy French and others -- Special operations -- C.O.I. and O.S.S. -- Propaganda at work -- Finale -- Sources -- Index.