THE MASTER OF DISGUISE: My Secret Life in the CIA, by Antonio Mendez (William Morrow; $25.00, November 1999). In his new book Mendez shares his candid behind-the-scenes account of his 25-year-career as the CIA's foremost inventor of disguises. The Master of Disguises reveals the artistic craft and state-of-the-art techniques required to forge official documents, create propaganda, and manufacture convincing disguises complete with hair pieces, masks, make-up, and costumes. Mendez also offers a rare inside look at Agency politics, leadership, and other operations, including espionage tradecraft, surveillance, and cloaking techniques, as well as propaganda activities from 1965 to 1990. Mendez's creative talents have earned him the CIA's top honors. In 1997, as part of the CIA's 50th Anniversary, he received the Agency's trailblazer award, a special citation given to the 50 "CIA officers who by their actions, example, or initiative helped shape the history of the first half of the century" of the CIA. In addition, Mendez was awarded the Agency's Intelligence Star for Valor after engineering the dramatic rescue of six Americans from Tehran in 1980. See Bulletin Board Notices for announcement of kick-off reception sponsored by the Cold War Museum. (Francis Gary Powers Jr)

Reviewed in AFIO Weekly Intelligence Notes #43-99, 30 Oct 1999

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