The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA (1999)

by Antonio J. Mendez

Other authors: Malcolm McConnell

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From the author of Argo comes an unforgettable behind-the-scenes story of espionage in action. In the first ever memoir by a top-level operative to be authorized by the CIA, Antonio J. Mendez reveals the cunning tricks and insights that helped save hundreds from deadly situations. Adept at creating new identities for anyone, anywhere, Mendez was involved in operations all over the world, from "Wild West" adventures in East Asia to Cold War intrigue in Moscow. In 1980, he orchestrated the escape of six Americans from a hostage situation in revolutionary Tehran, Iran. This extraordinary operation inspired the movie Argo, directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The Master of Disguise gives us a privileged look at what really happens at the highest levels of international espionage: in the field, undercover, and behind closed doors.… (more)

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Intriguing tale. (

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lynngood2 | Jun 8, 2021 |

Tony Mendez was a struggling graphic artist when he applied for a job at the CIA. At first, he reproduced passports and all sorts of official documents, but eventually ended up supplying spies with costumes and prosthetic makeup disguises straight out of Hollywood. Mendez was the mastermind of the operation to free American Embassy personnel trapped in Iran as seen in the movie ARGO. This book was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the CIA in the 60s through 80s, a world of dead drops, micro dots, double agents, secret codes, fake passports, etc. (

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memccauley6 | May 3, 2016 |

OK, I read this book because of the movie ARGO. Rather a disappointing read, though. Having lived through the era that he describes (cold war and beyond) it brings back memories. It also makes the Spy Museum in DC much more interesting. It is hard to believe that adults (on all sides of the political, nationalistic fences) played these games in the "defense" of freedom, our way of life, culture, etc. etc. (

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addunn3 | Jun 26, 2015 |

A couple chapters of this book was the basis for the movie "Argo." I have always been fascinated by tales of spies and espionage, and this is the true story of one of the CIA's finest - an artist by training and inclination, a Cold War spy in action. The story is that of Tony Mendez, told by him and a co-author. Parts that are still classified are glossed over, and it is clear he is only telling what he can. It is not dramatically told, but realistically. I found it fascinating, but it is told very matter-of-factly, not dramatically. (

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EowynA | May 13, 2013 |

Mendez is in the news again because of the part he played in smuggling six U.S. diplomats out of Iran in early 1980, but don't read this book merely to get that story. Read it because Mendez manages to write 300 pages of fascinating stories without revealing any trade secrets, keeping the suspense up while juggling your curiosity with his pledge to protect classified material. This is a Cold War memoir, one that captures the spirit and attitudes of those times. A true tale well told. (

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nmele | Apr 6, 2013 |

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Author name	Role	Type of author	Work?	Status
Mendez, Antonio J.	—	primary author	all editions	confirmed
McConnell, Malcolm	—	secondary author	all editions	confirmed
Aquan, Richard L.	Cover designer	secondary author	some editions	confirmed
Bolte, Carla	Designer	secondary author	some editions	confirmed
Britto, Michael	Cover artist	secondary author	some editions	confirmed

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Canonical title

Original title

Alternative titles

Original publication date

1999

People/Characters

Antonio J. Mendez

Important places

Important events

Related movies

Argo (2012 | IMDb)

Epigraph

Dedication

* To all the Masters of the Game; some whom I met or engaged during the Cold War and others I came to learn about or know while writing this book.

* To all the members of our families who also served the cause.

First words

I decided to write this memoir in September 1997, when the Central Intelligence Agency publicly celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. (Preface)

The Blue Ridge Mountains, Maryland, August 21, 1997

The anxious memories returned to haunt me that summer night, keeping me from sleep once more . . .

Quotations

Last words

(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

Disambiguation notice

Publisher's editors

Kelly, Betty

Lee, Alice

Blurbers

Gates, Robert M.

Hedley, John Hollister

Original language

Canonical DDC/MDS

Canonical LCC

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Canadian Caper

Directorate of Operations (CIA)

▾Book descriptions

From the author of Argo comes an unforgettable behind-the-scenes story of espionage in action. In the first ever memoir by a top-level operative to be authorized by the CIA, Antonio J. Mendez reveals the cunning tricks and insights that helped save hundreds from deadly situations. Adept at creating new identities for anyone, anywhere, Mendez was involved in operations all over the world, from "Wild West" adventures in East Asia to Cold War intrigue in Moscow. In 1980, he orchestrated the escape of six Americans from a hostage situation in revolutionary Tehran, Iran. This extraordinary operation inspired the movie Argo, directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The Master of Disguise gives us a privileged look at what really happens at the highest levels of international espionage: in the field, undercover, and behind closed doors.

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