“The Taking of K-129: How the CIA Used Howard Hughes to Steal a Russian Sub in the Most Daring Covert Operation in History” Book Discussion

“The Taking of K-129: How the CIA Used Howard Hughes to Steal a Russian Sub in the Most Daring Covert Operation in History,” by Josh Dean, will be featured at the adult book discussion on Tuesday, February 26, 7:00 p.m., at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry Street, Mount Vernon.

Described by the Wall Street Journal as “an absorbing, suspenseful chronicle of a remarkable Cold War episode,” the book shares the true-life tale of military history, engineering genius, and high-stakes spy-craft set during the height of the Cold War pull off what would become the largest and most daring covert operation in CIA history.

In the early hours of February 25, 1968, a Russian submarine armed with three nuclear ballistic missiles set sail from its base in Siberia on a routine combat patrol to Hawaii. Then it vanished.

As the Soviet Navy searched in vain for the lost vessel, and the U.S. Navy declared the sub irretrievable, a small, highly classified CIA operation christened “Project Azorian” is created to find—and retrieve—the Russian sub. A complex network of spies, scientists, politicians and the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes attempt a project, even crazier than Hughes’s reputation, to raise the sub directly under the nose of the Russians.

Dean is a journalist and feature writer for numerous online and print magazines and agencies, and is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Show Dogs.”

Guest Jay Bittner will lead the discussion. Copies of the book are currently available at the main library or can be delivered to any of the library branches in Fredericktown, Gambier or Danville, or can be purchased at any local book store.

The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Although participants are encouraged to read the featured book prior to the adult book discussions, it is not a requirement to attend the discussion.

For additional information call the main library at 740-392-BOOK (2665), visit www.knox.net or email communityrelations@knox.net.