The Art of Intelligence
Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service
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3.9 • 351 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
“A lively account . . . combines the derring-do of old-fashioned spycraft with thoughtful meditations on the future of warfare and intelligence work. It deserves to be read.” —The Washington Post
“Offer[s] an exceptionally deep glimpse into the CIA’s counterterrorism operations in the last decade of the twentieth century.” —Harper’s
A legendary CIA spy and counterterrorism expert tells the spellbinding story of his high-risk, action-packed career
Revelatory and groundbreaking, The Art of Intelligence will change the way people view the CIA, domestic and foreign intelligence, and international terrorism. Henry A. “Hank” Crumpton, a twenty-four-year veteran of the CIA’s Clandestine Service, offers a thrilling account that delivers profound lessons about what it means to serve as an honorable spy. From CIA recruiting missions in Africa to pioneering new programs like the UAV Predator, from running post–9/11 missions in Afghanistan to heading up all clandestine CIA operations in the United States, Crumpton chronicles his role—in the battlefield and in the Oval Office—in transforming the way America wages war and sheds light on issues of domestic espionage.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
While early sections of veteran spy and counterterrorism expert Crumpton's memoir are a bit dry in this audio edition the delineation of different types of intelligence operations is likely to appeal only to listeners steeped in the subject matter the later portions of the book are compelling as the author delves into his own experiences with covert warfare. Crumpton recalls leading the initial American assault on Afghanistan's Taliban regime immediately following 9/11, as well as his role as a special ambassador working on counterterrorism policy under then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. David Colacci hands in a winning performance one that will keep listeners engaged even during more technical sections. Colacci is especially memorable in his rendition of gruff but endearing Gen. Tommy Franks, who directed United States forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. And the narrator employing a forceful but nuanced tone also effectively conveys Crumpton's steely determination and pride, as well as his frustration with political gamesmanship and shortsighted government policies. A Penguin hardcover.
Customer Reviews
How the sausage is made
This book gives a bird's eye view of the remarkable US destruction of Al Quaida in Afghanistan shortly after 9/11. The enduring lesson is the importance and astonishing range of skilled individuals mustered up for the mission. On the theoretical side, the book illustrates best practices for synthesis of intelligence and covert military action. In general, one comes away with the impression that the CIA works much better than one would expect from the generally shoddy press coverage it receives.
Interesting look at the CIA
Good book with an interesting perspective that is rarely provided. I would love to see Hank's take on the Homeland intelligence mess we've gotten ourselves into.
Rather Boring
Let me first began by saying I respect all they do at the cia. I wish I could be a cia agent. I know do to the sensitive work they they do they can't say much and that why I find this book boring.