John Lisle is a historian of science and the intelligence community.
His first book, The Dirty Tricks Department, tells the story of the scientists who developed secret weapons, documents, and disguises for the OSS during World War II.
John has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to write his second book, a history of the CIA’s MKULTRA mind control program and the efforts of its victims to obtain justice.
Praise for The Dirty Tricks Department
“The Dirty Tricks Department is the best book about the OSS I've ever read. It’s also one of the finest intelligence histories in recent years. Terrific research, razor-sharp writing, and a scintillating cast of characters—heroes, weirdos, con men, mad scientists—make this a must-read for anyone interested in the dark arts of espionage and secret warfare.” —Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner and author of the bestselling history of the CIA Legacy of Ashes
“A fascinating tale vividly told, full of sabotage and skullduggery, deviousness and invention, and populated by a cast of remarkable characters. James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes—but in deadly serious real life.” —H. W. Brands, New York Times bestselling author of the Pulitzer Prize finalists Traitor to His Class and The First American
“This enjoyable, picaresque and sometimes alarming book offers another good reason for maintaining oversight over the intelligence services: Spy-scientists tend to go rogue when left to invent their own devices.” —Ben Macintyre, New York Times
“A knowledgeable and entertaining study … Lisle stuffs the account with bizarre inventions, humorous anecdotes, and vivid sketches of researchers and agents. Espionage buffs will be enthralled.” —Publishers Weekly
“A fascinating story … With careful research and a dry wit, Lisle finds much to say about the backroom war. A page-turning account of the scientists, inventors, and eccentrics of the OSS in a critical period of conflict.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Lisle has composed an absolutely engaging chronicle of the founding and WWII heyday of the OSS.” —Booklist