Peter Tompkins

Peter Tompkins (1919-2007) was an American journalist who also served as an Office of Strategic Services (OSS) spy during World War II, operating undercover in Italy. Before his intelligence work, he had lived in Rome and learned Italian. After the war, he transitioned into writing, becoming a best-selling author.

His most recognized books delved into ancient mysteries and esoteric subjects, including "Secrets of the Great Pyramid," "Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids," and "The Secret Life of Plants." These works have been influential in the "New Age" literature movement. Tompkins also hosted a documentary on the Bermuda Triangle and wrote about his wartime experiences, including a diary published about his time as a spy in Rome.

Born in Athens, Georgia, Peter Tompkins later resided in Rome, where he acquired fluency in Italian. He left Italy in 1941 and returned to the United States. During World War II, he worked as a war correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune and CBS. In 1943, he was recruited by the OSS, the precursor to the CIA, and deployed back to Italy in 1944 as an undercover agent. His work involved collaboration with Maurizio Giglio, an Italian police officer who was also an OSS secret agent. Tompkins documented his experiences in his 1962 diary, "A Spy in Rome."

Tompkins gained significant recognition for his best-selling books that explored topics often considered esoteric or mystical. His works "Secrets of the Great Pyramid" (1971) and "Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids" (1976) examined ancient structures and civilizations, while "The Secret Life of Plants" (1973) investigated the consciousness and sensory capabilities of plants. These books, along with "The Magic of Obelisks," became foundational texts within the "New Age" literary sphere, influencing popular understanding of these subjects.

Beyond his influential books, Peter Tompkins was involved in other media projects. In 1977, he hosted a documentary film titled "Secrets of the Bermuda Triangle," further engaging with mysterious phenomena. His career also included writing articles, notably about his experiences with the OSS and Italian partisans during World War II, contributing to historical records and discussions on espionage and conflict.