Casey: The Lives and Secrets of William J. Casey: from the OSS to the CIA

Persico, Joseph E.

ISBN 10: 0670823422 / ISBN 13: 9780670823420

Published by Viking, 1990

Seller Inventory # 0670823422-3-26737584

Synopsis:

A biography of Ronald Reagan's CIA director reveals the history of the man at the center of Reagan's foreign policy, tracing his journey from poverty to wealth, power and scandal

Reviews: The late William Casey's (1913-1987) multifaceted career in law, investment banking, publishing and writing included serving as chairman of the SEC and as undersecretary of state for economic affairs. In 1980 he took over the flagging presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan, later earning an appointment as director of the CIA. Working from interviews and exclusive access to Casey's papers, Persico ( Edward Murrow ) here writes a detailed, firmly three-dimensional biography covering each phase of a controversial life. The author describes how Casey restored the morale and effectiveness of the CIA, but shows that, due to his role in the Iran- contra affair, Casey left the Agency in virtually the same demoralized state in which he found it in 1981. The final quarter of the biography offers an account that notably clarifies the Iran- contra fiasco. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/ promo; author tour.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

William J. Casey, a central figure in the World War II spy operations of CIA precursor OSS, had a successful career as a tax lawyer and inventor of the tax shelter, as chair of the Securities & Exchange Commission, and as Reagan's campaign manager. Had it not been for the Iran-Contra scandal, Casey's tenure as CIA director might have been masterful. In this authorized biography, Persico challenges Bob Woodward's rather harsh interpretation of Casey in Veil ( LJ 12/87), especially criticizing Woodward's covert visit to Casey's hospital bedside. Persico finds the roots of Casey's life in his Queens, New York childhood, his OSS work, and his hero, OSS head "Wild Bill" Donovan. While still not the definitive biography of Casey only time can produce, this book will appeal to readers of Woodward's book. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/90.
- Ron Christenson, Gustavus Adolphus Coll., St. Peter, Minn.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Casey: The Lives and Secrets of William J. ...
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: 1990
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good