Bodyguard of Lies
Encyclopedia
Bodyguard of Lies is a 1975 non-fiction book written by Anthony Cave Brown
. His first major work, the book is a narrative account of Operation Bodyguard
and the Allied intelligence operations of 1944, leading up to the invasion of Normandy. The unusual title is based on a famous war-time epigram
by Winston Churchill
; "In war-time, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies."
Brown began researching and writing Bodyguard of Lies in 1961. The book is based on oral testimony from WW2 intelligence personnel as well as records from the National Archives and declassified
American records (although Brown says that most of the book was written before he was able to access the latter, in 1974). Brown was denied access to British war records whilst writing the book.
The book received mixed reviews, particularly with regards to Brown's focus on minutiae, which received both positive and negative comment. The content received wide criticism; described as containing "a multitude of errors of detail" and with some reviewers rejecting Brown's analysis. Writing in 1996, reviewer Russell J. Bowen ascribes this to Brown's reliance on secondary sourcing and oral interviews (describing the book as an "outstanding example of scholarly investigative journalism applied to the field of oral military history").
, was highly critical of the "encyclopedic" detail in Brown's writing, "He piles on the illustrative (or irrelevant) detail. He cannot leave anything out. Every person mentioned must have a potted biography. Every place must be equipped with atmosphere, furniture, associations." A 1976 New Scientist
review praised this level of detail, saying that it "would ensure a large sale".
Roper also criticised the material, writing that Brown had inserted "a novel thesis: a thesis which, in my opinion, is quite wrong." In a letter to the editor in reply, Deputy Chief Historian for the United States Army
, Charles B. MacDonald
, referred to the book as "the most important work on World War II in a quarter of a century" Sir Michael Howard, the official historian of British military deception in World War Two, wrote a withering review of the book in the Times Literary Supplement.
Writing in Military Review, Alexander Cochran noted that the book was one of the first non-memoir accounts of intelligence operations during the war and was unusual (for its genre) in documenting sources. However, he went on to call the book "suggestive more than definitive".
Russell J. Bowen concludes that although the writing and coverage were better than similar books then available; "Cave Brown's work fails to escape the common stigma of intelligence narratives: considerable inaccuracy as to detail and occasional lack of validity of interpretation."
Anthony Cave Brown
Anthony Cave Brown was an English-American journalist, espionage non-fiction writer and historian.-Early years:...
. His first major work, the book is a narrative account of Operation Bodyguard
Operation Bodyguard
Operation Bodyguard was the code name for a World War II military deception employed by the Allied nations during the build up to the 1944 invasion of north-western Europe. The aim of the operation was to mislead the German high command as to the exact date and location of the invasion...
and the Allied intelligence operations of 1944, leading up to the invasion of Normandy. The unusual title is based on a famous war-time epigram
Epigram
An epigram is a brief, interesting, usually memorable and sometimes surprising statement. Derived from the epigramma "inscription" from ἐπιγράφειν epigraphein "to write on inscribe", this literary device has been employed for over two millennia....
by Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
; "In war-time, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies."
Brown began researching and writing Bodyguard of Lies in 1961. The book is based on oral testimony from WW2 intelligence personnel as well as records from the National Archives and declassified
Declassified
Declassified is an American television series produced by Ten Worlds Productions on The History Channel that originally aired on November 9, 2004. The series takes viewers inside vaults and archives around the world to reveal the untold stories of modern history...
American records (although Brown says that most of the book was written before he was able to access the latter, in 1974). Brown was denied access to British war records whilst writing the book.
The book received mixed reviews, particularly with regards to Brown's focus on minutiae, which received both positive and negative comment. The content received wide criticism; described as containing "a multitude of errors of detail" and with some reviewers rejecting Brown's analysis. Writing in 1996, reviewer Russell J. Bowen ascribes this to Brown's reliance on secondary sourcing and oral interviews (describing the book as an "outstanding example of scholarly investigative journalism applied to the field of oral military history").
Reception
Hugh Trevor-Roper, writing for The New York Review of BooksThe New York Review of Books
The New York Review of Books is a fortnightly magazine with articles on literature, culture and current affairs. Published in New York City, it takes as its point of departure that the discussion of important books is itself an indispensable literary activity...
, was highly critical of the "encyclopedic" detail in Brown's writing, "He piles on the illustrative (or irrelevant) detail. He cannot leave anything out. Every person mentioned must have a potted biography. Every place must be equipped with atmosphere, furniture, associations." A 1976 New Scientist
New Scientist
New Scientist is a weekly non-peer-reviewed English-language international science magazine, which since 1996 has also run a website, covering recent developments in science and technology for a general audience. Founded in 1956, it is published by Reed Business Information Ltd, a subsidiary of...
review praised this level of detail, saying that it "would ensure a large sale".
Roper also criticised the material, writing that Brown had inserted "a novel thesis: a thesis which, in my opinion, is quite wrong." In a letter to the editor in reply, Deputy Chief Historian for the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Charles B. MacDonald
Charles B. MacDonald
This article refers to Charles B. MacDonald, military historian. For the U.S. golfer, refer to Charles B. Macdonald.Charles B. MacDonald was a former Deputy Chief Historian for the United States Army...
, referred to the book as "the most important work on World War II in a quarter of a century" Sir Michael Howard, the official historian of British military deception in World War Two, wrote a withering review of the book in the Times Literary Supplement.
Writing in Military Review, Alexander Cochran noted that the book was one of the first non-memoir accounts of intelligence operations during the war and was unusual (for its genre) in documenting sources. However, he went on to call the book "suggestive more than definitive".
Russell J. Bowen concludes that although the writing and coverage were better than similar books then available; "Cave Brown's work fails to escape the common stigma of intelligence narratives: considerable inaccuracy as to detail and occasional lack of validity of interpretation."