The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate's Deep Throat

by Bob Woodward
The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate's Deep Throat cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 4427
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780743287166
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2006-06-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Bob Woodward's 'The Secret Man' delves into his intricate relationship with W. Mark Felt, the former FBI associate director who played a pivotal role in exposing the Watergate scandal. This book offers an insider's perspective on one of the most significant political events in American history, revealing the complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved. Woodward's meticulous reporting and deep understanding of the political landscape provide a compelling narrative that goes beyond the headlines, offering a nuanced look at the man known as 'Deep Throat'. Through personal interviews and extensive research, Woodward paints a vivid portrait of Felt, exploring his motivations, the risks he took, and the impact of his actions on the FBI and the nation. The book also sheds light on Woodward's own journey as a journalist, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of investigative reporting in the face of immense pressure and secrecy.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2005-07-24
intriguing 3.50

The book provides a nuanced look at the relationship between Woodward and Deep Throat, highlighting the complexities of trust and secrecy. It offers a unique perspective on the Watergate scandal.

The reviewer appreciates the book's deep dive into the relationship between Bob Woodward and Deep Throat, noting how it sheds light on the intricacies of trust and secrecy during the Watergate scandal. They find the book to be a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on the events that led to President Nixon's downfall. The reviewer also highlights how the book distinguishes between the roles of a reporter as a private eye and a reporter as a public servant, making it a valuable addition to the literature on Watergate.

Quick quotes

    Bob Woodward's latest book is the best short discussion of this distinction -- between the reporter as private eye and the reporter as public servant.

    The book provides an intriguing if not fully satisfying portrait of the real-life relationship between Mr. Woodward and Mr. Felt.

    The Secret Man is one of the best [of the Watergate books] at illuminating the backstage battle to bring President Nixon's team to justice.

The New York Times · 2005-07-06
intriguing 3.00

The book provides an intriguing but not fully satisfying portrait of the relationship between Woodward and Felt. It sheds light on the complexities of their interactions.

The reviewer finds 'The Secret Man' to be an intriguing but not fully satisfying portrait of the relationship between Bob Woodward and Mark Felt, also known as Deep Throat. They appreciate the book's exploration of the complexities of trust and secrecy, as well as the pressures and doubts that both men faced. The reviewer also notes that the book provides a unique perspective on the Watergate scandal, making it a valuable read for those interested in the events that led to President Nixon's downfall.

Quick quotes

    "The Secret Man" provides an intriguing if not fully satisfying portrait of the real-life relationship between Mr. Woodward and Mr. Felt.

    The book sheds light on the complexities of trust and secrecy, as well as the pressures and doubts that both men faced.

    An aura of mystery still hovers around the man who is Deep Throat.

The StoryGraph · 2005-01-01
excellent 4.00

The book is an excellent follow-up to 'All the President's Men', though not as riveting. It provides a unique study of trust, deception, and secrets.

The reviewer finds 'The Secret Man' to be an excellent follow-up to the classic 'All the President's Men', though they note it is not as riveting. They appreciate the book's unique study of trust, deception, pressures, alliances, doubts, and a lifetime of secrets. The reviewer also highlights how the book provides an insider's perspective on the events that led to President Nixon's downfall, making it a valuable read for those interested in Watergate.

Quick quotes

    An excellent follow-up to the classic All the President's Men.

    I wouldn't say it was nearly as riveting, or at least not in the same way, but it was truly ...

    The Secret Man is an intense, 33-year journey, providing a one-of-a-kind study of trust, deception, pressures, alliances, doubts and a lifetime of secrets.

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