The Art of Intelligence

Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service

By: Henry A. Crumpton

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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 90 days after the Twin Towers fell. At the height of combat against the Taliban in late 2001, there were fewer than 500 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.

©2012 Henry A. Crumpton (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks

The Art of Intelligence from someone on the inside

Crumpton tells it like it is! He's been on the inside, and knows what it's like to pursue the knowledge we need with undaunted courage!

Great Narration

I enjoyed this immensely.
Well narrated and a good story.
Good job Henry, well done.

Excellent behind the scenes view of our CIA!!!

Very engaging. Hank is able to convey his experience in the CIA with real world stories that keep you engaged through the book. It's fascinating what this group does that most American's take for granted. They are really unsung hero's that work to keep us safe. What his team was able to do in Afghanistan after 9/11 is remarkable. Great book!! Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing.

very interesting, yet falls short of expectations.

very interesting topic. author was a little to brief on the topics I found most interesting and left out details about trade craft I was hoping would be included.

I am not sure I really like the way the narrator read the book.

Great book about CIA operations and skills

i really enjoyed the book. i think my only criticism would be that the beginning seemed more broad about the operations and activties, while the 2nd half really got into details on the Afghanistan operations. Overall i enjoyed it and think the Author had an Amazing life.

Brilliant Insight to Clandestine Service

This book blew me away. Crumpton is a skilled writer, which is a cherished talent amongst officers in the CIA who must often explain complex situations and actors through the medium of written report. The story, of both Crumpton's service and of the overarching intelligence/foreign security policy, is revealing and instrumental in demonstrating that the intelligence service requires much more than spycraft. It requires a good deal of open mindedness, cultural acceptance, and broad, inclusive perspective. A must read for any looking to someday work for the State Department or CIA.

the art of intelligence

it is a great book but because of its pure facts and accuracy it can at times be a little dry. very informative.

Dedicated Professionals

As we champion the great work of our military, this book serves as a reminder of the craft, work, and dedication by our intelligence services. Crumpton offers an excellent insider view into the agency and how it responded to 9/11.

Narrator routinely butchers acronyms

Narrator frequently mispronounces acronyms routinely used in government. Case in point “JSOC” is pronounced “jay-Sock” — not “Jay-Ess-Oh-See”

Brilliant 👏

Retrospective, insightful and relative today. Must read. I was challenged professionally and personally for improvement.