"Athan Theoharis contends that a closer look at the historical record reveals a much less idealized and much more disturbing vision of the FBI and its impact on American society." "As Theoharis reveals, from its earliest days, FBI history has been marked by operational failures, overrated abilities, and the frequent use of highly suspect means - wiretaps, buggings, break-ins - that challenge the Constitution's guarantee against illegal searches. The agency has also been known to gather and disseminate derogatory (and often untrue) information in an effort to discredit citizens whose views were seen as "dangerous." Most disturbing, it has drifted toward equating political dissent with genuine subversion, an approach with potentially grave consequences for free and open public discourse." "Throughout, Theoharis raises serious questions about the extralegal nature of the FBI's activities and its troubling implications for the rule of law in America, which threaten both civil liberties and democracy itself. Drawing deeply upon primary sources (including declassified documents), his work should help all Americans reevaluate the FBI and its proper role in our society."--BOOK JACKET.