His Own Words

"In His Own Words: How J. Edgar Hoover Directed the FBI Through Marginalia" by Dr. Dirk Gibson is a well written look into the realities and myths that surround J. Edgar Hoover especially during his tenure as head of the FBI. This book blends elements of a biography as well as a historical investigation to tell the story of how Hoover behaved and led the FBI. It is a well-researched look at the internal workings of the FBI and Hoover as a man. The author is incredibly thorough and addresses everything from Hoover's sexuality to racism and favors in the system. It provides a very encompassing assessment of both Hoover and the success and failures of the FBI. This biography of J. Edgar Hoover differs from all previous books on the subject. My book posits and documents the existence of two political myths about Hoover. One is a God myth, which was created intentionally by a long-standing FBI public relations campaign. The other myth is a Devil myth that emerged in reaction to the God myth. Both of these mythic perceptions are unidimensional stereotypical depictions of the man, which obscure the reality of the former FBI director. The author uses declassified FBI memoranda to shed light on the personality and professional performance of Mr. Hoover through examination of his marginalia. Hoover's handwritten comments in the margins of FBI memos are candid and fascinating manifestations of his true self.