jjares reviewed The FBI and J. Edgar Hoover: The History and Legacy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Under Its First Director on + 3275 more book reviews
Growing up in the 1950s, I never understood the 'Red Scare.' I certainly didn't know that it began with the radical organizations working in America in 1919. Hoover's personal vendetta was against communism. He saw a communist behind every bush.
It was surprising to read that originally, the FBI officers did not carry weapons, nor did they make arrests. In 1929, when 8 million people lost their jobs, there was a sharp rise in crime and communism. It seems as if Hoover got Congress to make things a crime so he could intercede, for example, in the Lindbergh baby case (in 1932). Prior to Congress' making it a federal crime to kidnap across state lines, Hoover was not consulted by local police. Although the FBI had nothing to do with cracking the case, Hoover made sure he was there for photo ops.
This book is not subtle about pointing out Hoover's faults and jealousies. Hoover expected absolute loyalty, anything else was seen as treachery. People did not learn about Hoover's huge ego until after his death because Hoover had helpers (Hollywood, and others), who kept his message and image sanitized.
It is hard to imagine that someone could gather so much power that he was able to do whatever he wanted, without worrying about consequences. However, Hoover overstepped laws to prosecute Judith Coplon, and his illegalities were exposed in her 1949 court cases. Hoover survived that embarrassment by sowing fear of an all-out Soviet nuclear attack. It was a shock to learn that Joseph McCarthy and J. Edgar Hoover were fast friends and Hoover fed McCarthy info from his private (FBI files) so McCarthy could make points in Congress.
By the second half of this book, the number of corrupt actions by politicians and public servants was staggering. Hoover blackmailed Senators and Presidents; he was fearless. Interestingly, the author says that there is no proof that Hoover was homosexual. The author did mention that Hoover tried to rid homosexuals from jobs in Washington. He also mentioned that William "Wild Bill" Donovan started the rumor that Hoover was homosexual and a cross-dresser (the two men hated each other). I found this book depressing.
It was surprising to read that originally, the FBI officers did not carry weapons, nor did they make arrests. In 1929, when 8 million people lost their jobs, there was a sharp rise in crime and communism. It seems as if Hoover got Congress to make things a crime so he could intercede, for example, in the Lindbergh baby case (in 1932). Prior to Congress' making it a federal crime to kidnap across state lines, Hoover was not consulted by local police. Although the FBI had nothing to do with cracking the case, Hoover made sure he was there for photo ops.
This book is not subtle about pointing out Hoover's faults and jealousies. Hoover expected absolute loyalty, anything else was seen as treachery. People did not learn about Hoover's huge ego until after his death because Hoover had helpers (Hollywood, and others), who kept his message and image sanitized.
It is hard to imagine that someone could gather so much power that he was able to do whatever he wanted, without worrying about consequences. However, Hoover overstepped laws to prosecute Judith Coplon, and his illegalities were exposed in her 1949 court cases. Hoover survived that embarrassment by sowing fear of an all-out Soviet nuclear attack. It was a shock to learn that Joseph McCarthy and J. Edgar Hoover were fast friends and Hoover fed McCarthy info from his private (FBI files) so McCarthy could make points in Congress.
By the second half of this book, the number of corrupt actions by politicians and public servants was staggering. Hoover blackmailed Senators and Presidents; he was fearless. Interestingly, the author says that there is no proof that Hoover was homosexual. The author did mention that Hoover tried to rid homosexuals from jobs in Washington. He also mentioned that William "Wild Bill" Donovan started the rumor that Hoover was homosexual and a cross-dresser (the two men hated each other). I found this book depressing.
