The FBI: A Comprehensive Reference Guide

This encyclopedic look at the Federal Bureau of Investigation takes advantage of changes in the Freedom of Information Act to move beyond the typical glamorized or sensational portrayal of this government agency to a scholarly, evenhanded account that places it within a greater historical context. It may be textbook in nature, but the guide still makes for entertaining reading, especially its "Notable Cases" chapter, organized by decade, which covers John Dillinger, the murder of Medgar Evers, Watergate, the World Trade Center bombing, and the Unabomber, among others. Another chapter examines the role of the G-man in popular culture over the last century by looking at the portrayal of agents in comics, movies, TV, and radio.

The writers are a distinguished cast of university professors who have researched the FBI, written extensively about it, or gleaned an insider's knowledge of the organization. Most notable among these is Susan Rosenfeld, who served as the FBI's first official historian from 1984 to 1992. Each chapter, whether covering controversies or traditions within the bureau, portrays the agency's relations to the media, the president, Congress, or other law enforcement agencies, including previously unreleased details regarding the FBI's facilities and organizational structure. The guide also includes numerous surveillance and arrest photos, as well as demographics on bureau employees. It's useful for both those researching the FBI and those who are simply intrigued by the agency's complex role in American history. --Jodi Mailander Farrell