MANHUNT – Peter Maas
The Incredible Pursuit of a CIA Agent Turned Terrorist
1986 First British Edition | Harrap | Original Hardback with Dust Jacket
A gripping work of investigative journalism from acclaimed American author Peter Maas, best known for The Valachi Papers and Serpico.
Published in 1986, Manhunt takes readers deep into the shadowy world of American intelligence, international arms dealing, political corruption and state-sponsored terrorism. It recounts one of the most extraordinary intelligence scandals of the Cold War, involving a former CIA operative, the Libyan regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, and a determined federal prosecutor who refused to abandon his pursuit.
This is the original 1986 British hardback edition, published by Harrap, complete with its striking illustrated dust jacket.
The Book
How does a former American intelligence operative become entangled in international terrorism — and what does it take to bring him to justice?
At the centre of this remarkable true story is Edwin P. Wilson, a former CIA officer whose connections within the American intelligence establishment helped him build an extraordinary network of influence and wealth.
Wilson inhabited a world of powerful politicians, senior military figures, intelligence officials and international arms dealers. Behind the appearances of respectability, however, lay a deeply troubling enterprise involving the supply of weapons, explosives and expertise to Colonel Gaddafi’s Libya.
As evidence of Wilson’s activities emerged, federal prosecutor E. Lawrence ‘Larry’ Barcella Jr. embarked upon an extraordinary international investigation.
What followed was a complex pursuit spanning several years and multiple continents, involving secret intelligence operations, political obstacles, international intrigue and an increasingly determined effort to bring Wilson before an American court.
Drawing upon extensive investigative research, intelligence material, official records and interviews, Maas reconstructs a remarkable affair that exposed uncomfortable questions about the relationships between intelligence agencies, private operators and the governments they served.
Written with the pace and tension of a political thriller, Manhunt is all the more compelling for being rooted in real events.
The book also provides a fascinating contemporary perspective on the Cold War, US–Libyan relations and the intelligence controversies of the 1980s.
About the Author
Peter Maas (1929–2001) was one of America’s most accomplished investigative journalists and nonfiction writers.
His reputation was established through meticulously researched accounts of organised crime, corruption, policing and individuals operating within some of society’s most secretive institutions.
His best-known works include:
* The Valachi Papers – his landmark examination of the American Mafia.
* Serpico – the story of New York police officer Frank Serpico and his battle against corruption.
* King of the Gypsies – an exploration of an often misunderstood American subculture.
* Marie – an investigation into political corruption and the experiences of a courageous whistleblower.
Both The Valachi Papers and Serpico became celebrated films.
With Manhunt, Maas brought his investigative approach to the clandestine world of international espionage and arms trafficking.
Edition and Bibliographic Details
* Title: Manhunt: The Incredible Pursuit of a CIA Agent Turned Terrorist
* Author: Peter Maas
* Publisher: Harrap Ltd, London
* Publication year: 1986
* Edition: First British Edition
* Format: Hardback
* Dust jacket: Present, with original illustrated artwork
* Language: English
* ISBN: 0-245-54500-X
* Printed and bound by: Mackays Ltd, Chatham, Great Britain
The copyright page confirms that the book was first published in Great Britain by Harrap in 1986, the same year as the original American Random House edition.
Condition
Good vintage condition overall, with the original dust jacket present.
An attractive, well-presented copy showing signs of age and previous ownership appropriate to a book published in 1986.
* Dust jacket: Retains its distinctive red, orange and yellow illustrated design, with strong colours and clear lettering. Some light surface rubbing, minor creasing and general shelf wear are visible.
* Rear dust jacket: Some age-related discolouration and spotting, particularly against the white background.
* Hardback binding: Red boards appear well preserved, with minor signs of handling and storage.
* Page edges: Some natural age-toning and minor discolouration consistent with a book of this age.
* Publication details: Original copyright and publisher information are clearly legible.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description and show the actual book being offered.
Collectability and Interest
An appealing addition to collections of:
* First-edition nonfiction and investigative journalism
* Cold War history and international relations
* CIA and American intelligence history
* Espionage, intelligence scandals and covert operations
* True crime and political corruption
* Peter Maas first editions and hardbacks
The original British edition offers a particularly interesting contemporary account of an intelligence scandal that attracted international attention during the 1980s.
An absorbing historical document as well as a compelling piece of narrative journalism, Manhunt remains a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the hidden world of espionage, international politics and the darker side of Cold War intelligence operations.
Postage and Packaging
FREE Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery within the UK.
The book will be carefully packaged to protect the hardback covers, dust jacket and page edges during transit.
Dispatched promptly and securely from the UK.
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A fascinating 1986 first British edition from one of America’s foremost investigative writers — a compelling combination of espionage, political history and true crime, complete with its original illustrated dust jacket.