America's Book of Secrets

Despite its titillating title and the promise of “unparalleled access” to information long hidden from public view, this 10-part History-aired production (featuring a two-hour lead-in special) offers standard-issue profiles of several well-known federal operations and a couple of private entities. The series provides tours of the Pentagon, the White House, Fort Knox, and West Point, while also looking at the FBI, presidential transport service, and the military's Black Ops. The legendary Area 51 is also featured (albeit without a detailed exploration of the top-secret base), while other segments examine the history of the Freemasons and (of all things) Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion. Many of the “secrets” are fairly mundane, despite the series' desperate attempts to spin various subjects with overflowing conspiracy theories. Even so, America's Book of Secrets—handsomely produced and crisply edited—offers harmless fun with its inside glimpses of operations primarily known by reputation (especially Fort Knox, which many know only from the 007 epic Goldfinger). Extras include a bonus special on American monuments. Mildly entertaining, this is recommended, overall. Aud: P. (P. Hall)