The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service: Crumpton, Henry A.: 9781594203343: Amazon.com: Books

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Henry A. Crumpton

The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service Hardcover – May 14, 2012

by Henry A. Crumpton (Author)

4.5 1,110 ratings

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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.

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Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Penguin Press
Publication date

May 14, 2012
Dimensions

6.42 x 1.15 x 9.6 inches
ISBN-10

1594203342
ISBN-13

978-1594203343
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The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service

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Customer reviews

1,110 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and informative, providing a solid perspective on intelligence gathering. They describe it as well-written, articulate, and detailed. Readers appreciate the narrative quality, finding it engaging and fascinating. However, opinions differ on how easy it is to read, with some finding it easy and others finding it tedious after a while.

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Readability Insight Writing quality Narrative quality Ease of reading

159 customers mention "Readability"154 positive5 negative

Customers find the book interesting and informative. They appreciate the well-written stories and insights into the spy business. The memoir-driven content is appreciated by readers.

"...Crumpton vividly describes the challenges and offers credit and appropriate criticism when needed, of himself and colleagues...." Read more

"...The book is interesting and many topics and subjects were touched on by other authors but the counterterrorism and HUMINT operations was nicely done..." Read more

"Excellent read. It highlights the vast resources the US has harnessed in order to protect our country from terrorists both foreign and domestic...." Read more

"...I had to pace myself reading so I could stretch it out. One of the best books I’ve read on these topics." Read more

95 customers mention "Insight"92 positive3 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-written. They appreciate the insights it provides into intelligence gathering in foreign lands. The book is a valuable resource for analysts, providing valuable lessons learned in both strategic and local conditions. Readers mention it's the best overall book on intelligence they've ever read.

"...It highlights the successes of intelligence gathering in foreign lands that dealt crushing blows to bad actors & groups wanting to attack America...." Read more

"Well written, deeply informative and told by an American hero. I had to pace myself reading so I could stretch it out...." Read more

"This book gives you an insiders view of how the CIA works. Starting off the author explains to the reader the ultimate value of intelligence...." Read more

"...Period. The Art of Intelligence is fact-filled, but not to the point where national security is compromised...." Read more

75 customers mention "Writing quality"57 positive18 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. They appreciate the clear and insightful information it provides. The book is described as readable, detailed, and unique. Readers appreciate the author's frankness and refreshing perspective on the world of espionage.

"...I was enthralled, excited and found the voice of the author to be clear, concise and full of common sense...." Read more

"...agency I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with this expertly written book...." Read more

"Well written, deeply informative and told by an American hero. I had to pace myself reading so I could stretch it out...." Read more

"...Originally obtained the book for the HUMINT operations, descriptions were limited, to be expected but as noted the focus was on counterterrorism..." Read more

55 customers mention "Narrative quality"52 positive3 negative

Customers find the book an insightful account of events and the response. They appreciate the author's storytelling and clear historical review of post-September 11 efforts and how things really work. The book covers the author's personal history on how he ended up in the military.

"...I was enthralled, excited and found the voice of the author to be clear, concise and full of common sense...." Read more

"Well written, deeply informative and told by an American hero. I had to pace myself reading so I could stretch it out...." Read more

"This is one of the best historical accounts I've read. Henry Crumpton's two decades long and interesting career spans much of the recent CIA history...." Read more

"...A fascinating companion piece to Jawbreaker. Captures the fighting spirit of those charged with avenging the deaths of 2,977 people when the Twin..." Read more

6 customers mention "Ease of reading"3 positive3 negative

Customers have different experiences with the book's reading. Some find it easy to read but skims the surface, while others say it becomes tedious after a while.

"...The clear, straight forward, intellectual manner in which the material is presented is outstanding." Read more

"...colleagues from his decades of this work, but it becomes tedious after awhile unless you knew them." Read more

"Easy going book but only skims the surface. Amazing story told in a matter of fact way...." Read more

"This book was difficult to put down. The right level of detail to let the reader know that it's based on legitimate material...." Read more

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B. Robinson
THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK ON INTELLIGENCE WORK
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
I thought Henry Crumpton's book was fantastic. Like Gary Schroen's "FIRST IN--How the CIA Spearheaded the War on Terror After 9/11", this book too analyzes the situation 20 years ago when the homeland was attacked. both Schroen and Crumpton were there in the thick of it. Crumpton vividly describes the challenges and offers credit and appropriate criticism when needed, of himself and colleagues. But, what becomes very clear is that the war changed to an asymmetric battle that took rejiggering by all concerned. I was enthralled, excited and found the voice of the author to be clear, concise and full of common sense. Humor is welcome when you realize these patriots risked life and limb daily. It must be hard to go from t he Clandestine world to that of a public administration officer, but that is what happens to Mr. Crumpton and he deals with it al with aplomb. I say BRAVO.

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Danny
title is misleading
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2012
Verified Purchase
Overall the book was fairly good. Details were limited and interactions with others were glazed over. The authors perspective is based on the counterterrorism theater and shows just how far advanced the CIA were in this effort. I did like the self-reflections that were made, as it added to his character and inner development as he progressed into his career. He touches on a few issues with the government that was noted in other books through this period of uncertainty and the political theater of influence. The book is interesting and many topics and subjects were touched on by other authors but the counterterrorism and HUMINT operations was nicely done with the assistance of special operations and the US allies.
Originally obtained the book for the HUMINT operations, descriptions were limited, to be expected but as noted the focus was on counterterrorism (misleading title) and building rapport with likeminded individuals in a difficult region. That was being exploited by people who have radical ideological issues to include oppression of the population. This is where the norm of counterterrorism takes a twist and for the better. The author then explains a few issues and dealings with other tribal members in obtaining cohesion of an effort against targets of interests. Relationships among the US government are explained and how they played catch up to the already established presence and knowledge of the CIA, including the overbearing of the DOD influence on operations. The CIA was doing what they were established for and the longer the operation went on the more the US government wanted to throw dirt into this fine-tuned machine of intelligence to stumble and eventually limit operations.

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9 people found this helpful

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PGB
Exceptional Insight
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a former mid-level consumer of intelligence for a government agency I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with this expertly written book. An avid reader of espionage, intelligence, tradecraft, and the like, I thought at first there was too much redaction and not enough specifics. However, after reading through the first 2 chapters I was hooked. When I reached the end of the book I wished that I had more to read of Hank’s experiences, insights and questions. I would place this in the top 3 books that I’ve read on the subject. Outstanding.

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One person found this helpful

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David C. Lombard
Enlightening & Educational
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Excellent read. It highlights the vast resources the US has harnessed in order to protect our country from terrorists both foreign and domestic. It highlights the successes of intelligence gathering in foreign lands that dealt crushing blows to bad actors & groups wanting to attack America. It also highlights the failures of the political empire that is Washington to take seriously the intelligence put before them that resulted in attacks on American soil.
And last but not least kudos to the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting our people and our country.

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Remo
Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
Well written, deeply informative and told by an American hero. I had to pace myself reading so I could stretch it out. One of the best books I’ve read on these topics.

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S. Cranow
The Way of the CIA
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book gives you an insiders view of how the CIA works. Starting off the author explains to the reader the ultimate value of intelligence. Without intelligence you can not win a war and if you are not winning wars then you cannot defend your country. The founding fathers knew the value of great intelligence and espionage.

Today’s policy makers have forgotten the value of good intelligence and espionage. The public does not understand the value,. Oft times the CIA has their budget cut or they are overly scrutinized for what they do. Their are constraints as to what they can do all based on the current politics .

Hank entered the service after three tries and he had no military experience. He had lots of travel experience and had gotten into several fights while abroad. He was lucky to get in.

After training on th farm he was stationed in Africa. Most agents there are very independently and kind of knowledgeable eccentric. Working in Africa he learns what it means to be a case manager and run contacts. He discusses how he vets and grooms people to get info about their government. He talks about the difference between handling a case and be a liaison with different government where in the share information.

Hanks biggest claim to fame was taking down Al Quaida. After Al Quaida bombed two US Embassies. Hank to work with the FBI on investigating Al Quaida and who bombed the Embassy. Hank would end up working for the FBI and he explains the different operating procedure between the two organizations. Later in his career he would lead the CIA against Al Quaida. Ultimately it was another unit the brought down Bin Laden.

The book will open your eyes to the flawed view of our politicians who underestimate the threat that Al Quaida posed. The CIA understood it and had they been listened to it might have been avoided. The Department of Defence is locked in a rigid mentality of state to state war. Now things are much different. If you want the truth about espionage this book is it.

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8 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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RS
Offene Darstellung, sehr interessant zu lesen
Reviewed in Germany on January 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Das Buch gibt einen sehr guten Überblick darüber, was das Ziel und die Aufgaben des CIA sind. Crumpton berichtet offen und durchaus kritisch über seine Dienstzeit, eine so reflektierte Darstellung ist überraschend positiv. Außerdem setzt er sich objektiv mit der amerikanischen Außenpolitik auseinander, sehr interessant die Einschätzung zu der Vorgeschichte von 9/11 und die ergriffenen Maßnahmen.

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Paolo Pinello
The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine...
Reviewed in Italy on May 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
Arrivato nei tempi previsti, Interessante, che altro dire? Arrivato nei tempi previsti, Interessante, che altro dire? Arrivato nei tempi previsti, Interessante, che altro dire?

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GMat
Amazing Insight into the world of Intelligence
Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2012
Verified Purchase
'Hank' pens an engrossing and timely discussion around the past, more recent and future place for the trade craft of intelligence in the world community. Hank's overview of the intelligence space, its culture and his unique perspective on the Afghan conflict had me hanging on every word. Given the structure of the book, it was easy to finish a chapter and then easily make the connections to the next. I particularly enjoyed the evolution of Hank's career and what the future still holds for him and his craft. This is a must read, and delightfully is not chock full of conspiracy theories or political rhetoric. Thanks for putting pen to paper on this Hank.

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Joe
An Inside Look at the Mirror Factory
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
I could'nt put this book down. If you are interested in Espionage you have to read this book.A great inside look.

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brian
Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
Interesting read with a pretty heavy right wing slant.

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