Friday, August 2, 2013

FBI Books Offer Different Insights On The Bureau

By Lela Perkins


Several publications exist which provide an insight into the workings of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. FBI books not only delve into the way crimes are solved by the agency, they also details some of the abuses of power that have been documented in the past. Some are written by ex-agents, who have a specific story to tell about a particular crime or investigation.

The agency is famous throughout the United States and the world. It has a rich history of solving crimes and many US citizens are proud of the way it has grown from humble beginnings to be such an influential organization. However, not all stories that are told lavish the Bureau with praise. A book by Tim Weiner entitled "A History of the FBI" tells about campaigns and alleged human rights abuses against what the Bureau called domestic enemies - organizations that with left-wing socialist leanings.

Part of the checkered past of the agency centers around allegations that COINTELPRO - a covert, and some say illegal, operation to investigate an disrupt political groups - looked into the dealings of Martin Luther King. Allegations have also been made that they actually tried to disrupt his peaceful activities.

Aside from the usual historical books about the agency itself, there are many publications that focus on the success the FBI has achieved in trying to combat organised crime and gangsters. It isn't surprising, as gangsters played a vital role in society when the organization was first formed. Their influence stretched far and wide, and attempts were made by Bureau agents to stop that influence. Their success has been documented in the movies as well as books, especially in films like Bonnie and Clyde.

The problem with any type of publication on such a polarizing entity is that it's not easy to straddle the line between being critical of their errors and praising their successes. Too much of either may come across as biased. That's why it's perhaps better to read several works on the Bureau so you can get wider perspectives and a more balanced view.

Works of fiction are very popular these days. Authors often present agents as main characters in thrillers and try to see life through the eyes of law enforcement. These days such books are normally very well researched, as there is a wealth of information and programming out there centered on the Bureau. Also, many an ex-agent has penned a biography or even a work of fiction based on their time with the FBI.

The agency itself has a website on which it publishes certain information. Though there are no actual books for sale, you can find out who are the most wanted, check out case stories of busted felons, and report a crime online.

As there are lots of FBI books on the market, choosing one might not be easy. For that reason your best bet could be to choose the ones that appeal most. Hopefully these will provide a balanced view of the history and workings of one America's most controversial and cherished organizations.




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