SKU: 29919565897

The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames

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The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert AmesThe Good Spy is Pulitzer Prize winning biographer Kai Bird's compelling portrait of the remarkable life and death of one of the most important operatives in CIA history a man who, had he lived, might have helped heal the rift between Arabs and the West. On April 18, 1983, a bomb exploded outside the American Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people. The attack was a geopolitical turning point. It marked the beginning of Hezbollah as a political force, but

The Good Spy is Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Bird's compelling portrait of the remarkable life and death of one of the most important operatives in CIA history - a man who, had he lived, might have helped heal the rift between Arabs and the West.

On April 18, 1983, a bomb exploded outside the American Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people. The attack was a geopolitical turning point. It marked the beginning of Hezbollah as a political force, but even more important, it eliminated America's most influential and effective intelligence officer in the Middle East - CIA operative Robert Ames. What set Ames apart from his peers was his extraordinary ability to form deep, meaningful connections with key Arab intelligence figures. Some operatives relied on threats and subterfuge, but Ames worked by building friendships and emphasizing shared values - never more notably than with Yasir Arafat's charismatic intelligence chief and heir apparent Ali Hassan Salameh (aka "The Red Prince"). Ames' deepening relationship with Salameh held the potential for a lasting peace. Within a few years, though, both men were killed by assassins, and America's relations with the Arab world began heading down a path that culminated in 9/11, the War on Terror, and the current fog of mistrust.

Bird, who as a child lived in the Beirut Embassy and knew Ames as a neighbor when he was twelve years old, spent years researching The Good Spy. Not only does the book draw on hours of interviews with Ames' widow, and quotes from hundreds of Ames' private letters, it's woven from interviews with scores of current and former American, Israeli, and Palestinian intelligence officers as well as other players in the Middle East "Great Game."

What emerges is a masterpiece-level narrative of the making of a CIA officer, a uniquely insightful history of twentieth-century conflict in the Middle East, and an absorbing hour-by-hour account of the Beirut Embassy bombing. Even more impressive, Bird draws on his reporter's skills to deliver a full dossier on the bombers and expose the shocking truth of where the attack's mastermind resides today.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Broadway Books
Published: 05/26/2015
ISBN: 9780307889768
Pages: 448
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.13w x 1.13d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 06/07/2015 pg. 36
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SKU: 29919565897

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Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Fantastic Boots!
Size: 8.5, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
Completely satisfied with these boots. True to size, well made, comfortable from the get-go; not break in needed. Waterproof- really. The Red Suede has withstood a nasty winter season & still looks great. Good traction. I like the ankle height which looks good with long, mid length pants & leggings. I love the easy slip on/off aspect..made getting ready for dog walking easy. I 100%recommend!
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Paige
Waukegan, US
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Definitely worth the price
Size: 6.5, Color: Black/Black
Absolutely love these boots! I originally bought them to wear in NYC in December & they did not disappoint. They were comfortable, cute, durable and worked well in the slush/snow. The traction on the bottom is also nice! They kept me warm with wool socks. I wear them almost daily now. Perfect for everyday. easy to wear with variety of outfits. Good every day shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
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Kimberly
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Snagged a deal
Size: 7, Color: Redwood/Gum 10
I waited and waited to get these boots! I knew I was chancing it, but they went on sale, and I snagged them! I am a size 7, and they fit nicely with socks. a little loose, barefooted, but what psycho wears boots without socks? They are comfortable and really well-made.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
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ashlynnk
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute, comfortable waterproof boots (a little snug to put on)
Size: 7, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
These are really cute Chelsea-style boots and feel very comfortable once they’re on. The waterproof material is great for wet weather and the sole feels sturdy with good traction. They look stylish enough to wear casually but still feel practical for rainy days. The only downside is they can be a little difficult to put on at first because the opening is somewhat snug, but once they’re on they fit well and feel supportive. Overall they’re a great waterproof boot and I’ve enjoyed wearing them.
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Pawtucket, US
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Surprisingly great for my wide feet and high instep!
Size: 10.5, Color: Velvet Tan/Gum 2
So thrilled I took a chance on these. Finding boots is impossible for me. I have wide feet, a super high instep, a bunion on one foot, and I wear a hard to find size (10.5). I ordered the 10.5 and 11 in these expecting I might need to size up for width (if I could even get them on). It was a struggle getting the 10.5s on the first time, and once I did they were somewhat uncomfortable on the top of my left foot. But I read that they would relax so decided to give it a go because I need waterproof boots for an upcoming trip and the 11s felt too long. After two days of light wear, they are already breaking in and I have no more discomfort. Getting them on is already easier and they are plenty wide enough and very comfortable to walk in. These are true to size. Super happy and worth a day of mild discomfort to break them in!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026

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