The Art of Intelligence

By: Henry A. Crumpton

Narrated by: David Colacci

A legendary CIA spy and counterterrorism expert tells the spellbinding story of his high-risk, action-packed career while illustrating the growing importance of America's intelligence officers and their secret missions

For a crucial period, Henry Crumpton led the CIA's global covert operations against America's terrorist enemies, including al Qaeda. In the days after 9/11, the CIA tasked Crumpton to organize and lead the Afghanistan campaign. With Crumpton's strategic initiative and bold leadership, from the battlefield to the Oval Office, U.S. and Afghan allies routed al Qaeda and the Taliban in less than ninety days after the Twin Towers fell. At the height of combat against the Taliban in late 2001, there were fewer than five hundred Americans on the ground in Afghanistan, a dynamic blend of CIA and Special Forces. The campaign changed the way America wages war. This book will change the way America views the CIA.

The Art of Intelligence draws from the full arc of Crumpton's espionage and covert action exploits to explain what America's spies do and why their service is more valuable than ever. From his early years in Africa, where he recruited and ran sources, from loathsome criminals to heroic warriors; to his liaison assignment at the FBI, the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, the development of the UAV Predator program, and the Afghanistan war; to his later work running all CIA clandestine operations inside the United States, he employs enthralling storytelling to teach important lessons about national security, but also about duty, honor, and love of country.

No book like The Art of Intelligence has ever been written-not with Crumpton's unique perspective, in a time when America faced such grave and uncertain risk. It is an epic, sure to be a classic in the annals of espionage and war.

Critic reviews

“Crumpton's narrative, especially when chronicling the response to the 9/11 attacks, moves like a thriller, presenting a story of ingenuity and courage under fire . . . a compelling account of the changes that have allowed the CIA to fight the war on terror with unprecedented resources and success. There is no doubt that the CIA will in the future have to devote more resources to intelligence gathering. The agency should apply to its traditional operations the same ruthless, results-oriented ethos that Mr. Crumpton and his colleagues applied to fighting al Qaeda.” —The Wall Street Journal

“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] colorful inside account.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Hank Crumpton’s riveting account of his life in the CIA and the run up to the war in Afghanistan is a treasure for every citizen who wants to know the sacrifices, courage and strategic vision of the clandestine services in war and peace.” —Tom Brokaw

“The Art of Intelligence reflects the character of its author: Honest, smart, direct and impressive. Crumpton offers important new insights into the C.I.A.’s role in the Taliban’s overthrow in 2001, as well as a wider portrait of modern intelligence that is frank and compelling.” —Steve Coll, author of Ghost Wars and Directorate S

“[A] fascinating glimpse into the CIA’s most secret—and secretive—department.” —Kirkus

Exceptional insight

Well done. The only thing missing is locations of most incidents, but understandably for obvious reasons. we need more people like Henry. From a Navy Vietnam vet, thank you Hank for your dedicated service.

Great story, very informative

Felt a little bit like damage control. But the story was heartwarming, inspiring, family-oriented, and captivating.

Informative and well done

This account provided me fresh perspectives on the CIA's role, on that agency's mandate compared to others; say, the FBI. I believe it is important to know the differences between law enforcement and intelligence gathering, for example, and I appreciate this experienced writer's perspective and his colorful career. This book was my beginning in a search to understand how and why DOJ and intelligence agencies' leadership have misled the public regarding Russia and Republicans while slow-walking or burying proven misdeeds by Democrats. I'm interested because that forms the foundation for my trust, or mistrust. This book covers time periods before 2016, including 911's aftermath and I'm glad to better understand the CIA's special role in that time of great crisis. It does not help me much in my quest to understand the sharp political turn that has occurred since 2015 or so.

great read!

this gives and amazing insight into the world of the CIA and the fight against AQ

Virtual page turner.

Very Entertaining and Informative. A real glimpse into the global Intel community and some events which shaped our world.