Stasi: The Untold Story of the East German Secret Police

Rating:
Summary: John Koehler has penetrated the Stasi
Review: This excellent book goes well beyond standard scholarship on the history of post World War II Germany. Mr.Koehler's research and extensive interviews (where did he find these people?!) present East Germany in a fascinating perspective, presenting new information on the GDR's role in world terrorism and its subversive efforts in the Third World. Especially gratifying is the detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding East Germany's most prominent spy in Bonn, Guenter Guillaume, and his role in bringing down the chancellorship of Willy Brandt. Mr. Koehler's account of the Soviet role in establishing the Free Jurists in West Berlin presents information that, to the best of my knowledge, has never before been published.

Mr. Koehler's book is very well written. It is gripping from beginning to end and, in my view, is essential reading for anyone interested in modern German history.