Patrick Swan

This book of essays, many contemporary with the Hiss case, others prompted by events such as Chambers' death or the reissue of an earlier book, gives a very interesting perspective on the evolving significance of the original trials. I have seen reviews elsewhere that criticise the editor for including only two essays by defenders of Hiss's innocence, but I think the purpose of the book is to present us with the most well-written and thought-provoking analyses of the many issues the case raised, not to retry the case itself. Readers of any political stripe should find this a stimulating read.… (meer)