Johnson, who died in 2005, worked in US Army intelligence during World War II as well as the CIA. He wrote this volume for general readers who want to know more about counterintelligence practices (known as "tradecraft") by using case studies from his own experiences that illustrate such practices as surveillance, law enforcement manipulation, interrogation and polygraph testing while managing double agents, moles and defectors. The author is frank in his description of the use of lies and deceptions to achieve strategic objectives and yet is able to dispel many of the myths and legends about spying in the process. Originally published in 1987, this book is now back in print after a lengthy hiatus. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)