“The Devil’s Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America’s Secret Government” by David Talbot unveils a riveting account of the covert power dynamics that shaped post-World War II America. Talbot delves into the enigmatic life of Allen Dulles, the longest-serving director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and meticulously traces the intricate web of connections between intelligence agencies, corporate interests, and political leaders. The narrative skillfully exposes Dulles’s influence on major historical events, including the Cold War, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Talbot challenges conventional narratives, portraying Dulles not just as a government official but as a key player in an intricate chess game where the lines between democracy and covert operations become blurred.