U.S. Federal Document of the Month
October 2009

Title: The FBI: a Centennial History, 1908-2008.
Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Article written by: Charmaine Henriques

When I first saw The FBI: a Centennial History, 1908-2008, I thought what could possibly be in this publication; evidence of political abuse of power, conspiracy theories, and just maybe enticing drawings of J. Edgar Hoover in a slightly sultry but classy red cocktail dress. For those looking for scandal and creative ideas about the perfect party dress, you will be sorely disappointed and it goes without saying this book is definitely not for you. However, The FBI: a Centennial History, 1908-2008 traces the Federal Bureau of Investigation's development from its infancy to one of the most recognized names in American law enforcement. It takes you on a journey through several crucial eras within the FBI's lifespan: the early formative period; the gangster-driven crime wave of the 1920s and 30s; the anxious age of World War II and the Cold War; the turbulent 60s and its burgeoning civil rights movement; the systemic corruption of the Watergate years; the rise of global terror and crime; and the post 9/11 era. Included are a collection of never seen before photos and synopsizes of more than 40 of the agency's most well-known cases. The FBI: a Centennial History, 1908-2008 is one of Library Journal's "2008 Best Notable Documents" and information on current wanted individuals can be found at: http://www.fbi.gov/wanted.htm.