Author:Peter Bergen
Al Qaeda expert and CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen paints a multi-dimensional picture of the hunt for bin Laden over the past decade, as well as the recent campaign that gradually tightened the noose around him. Other key elements of the book include:
* A careful account of Obama's decision-making process throughout the final weeks and days during which the raid was planned, as well as what NSC cabinet members were advising him. The fascinating story of a group of (mostly female) analysts at the CIA in the HVT (High Value Target) section, who never gave up assembling the tiniest clues about OBL's whereabouts.
* The untold and action-packed history of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and the SEALs, which accounts for the confidence Obama had in tasking them with the mission.
* An analysis of what the death of OBL means for al Qaeda, for the wider jihadist movement that looked to him for inspiration and strategic guidance, and for Obama's legacy.
Tells the story of the search with considerable authority and conviction
—— Max Hastings , Sunday TimesHis narrative has authority... Manhunt is packed with satisfying observations
—— The EconomistMeticulously reported, pacy and authoritative
—— Jason Burke , ObserverA very good, well-sourced account, as good on the White House, the military and the CIA as on what happened in Abbottabad, and as good as we're likely to get, short of an official version
—— Alan Judd , SpectatorThe book makes for a rattling and thoroughly researched read on the last days of the world’s most notorious terrorist
—— Daily TelegraphMakes for a riveting read
—— Mail on SundayPainstakingly researched
—— Christopher Hirst , IndependentGrippingly narrated… Has the feel of a definitive work
—— Julian Borger , GuardianHer compellingly written book not only illuminates obscure family members... but also provides fresh perspectives on some of the most familiar figures in our history... a work that elegantly combines wide-ranging research with fluent narrative
—— Nick Rennison , Sunday Times (Culture)De Lisle’s masterful command of the facts – great and small – provides a complete and entertaining overview
—— Giles Tremlett , ObserverA vibrant reappraisal of this turbulent family saga
—— Anne Somerset , SpectatorFull of subtle revelations and fascinating detail... fine storytelling and thought-provoking analysis
—— Linda Porter , Literary ReviewIt is…greatly to the credit of Leanda de Lisle that her new book on the Tudors as a family is so admirably balanced and accomplished, and full of subtle revelations and fascinating detail. The familiar faces are all here but their story is told with new insights… Fine storytelling and thought-provoking analysis
—— Linda Porter , Literary Review[An] illuminating portrait of our most famous royal family
—— Sunday TimesHighly readable but no less scholarly
—— Lesley McDowell , Independent on SundayWonderful, passionate, dangerous, fascinating stuff. I couldn't put it down
—— Julian FellowesLeanda de Lisle has the gift of reminding us that history is the story of real people; real men, real women, full of rage and ambitionand lust and hope and love. The Tudors are already our most vivid dynasty, by quite a long chalk, but these pages render them more vivid still. This was an age when the game was worth the candle, when a chance remark could result in a crown or the axe. Wonderful, passionate, dangerous, fascinating stuff. I couldn't put it down
—— Julian FellowesThis fresh take on the Tudor dynasty is history at its best... an engaging and well-sourced account, sprinkled with provocative anecdotes that will appeal to both scholars and general readers... This compelling tale is driven by three-dimensional people and relationships, and de Lisle does a fantastic job of making them feel lived and dramatic
—— Publishers WeeklyReveals an entirely new perspective on one of England's most fascinating dynasties
—— Mary Lussiana , Country & Town HouseA very lucid, entertaining and excellent read
—— Suzannah Lipscomb , History TodayA thrilling, intelligent and fresh royal history that sweeps from the family’s unlikely beginnings in the 1420s to their apotheosis under Elizabeth
—— Dan Jones , TelegraphThe compelling story of the Tudors is vividly brought to life in de Lisle's narrative
—— Discover BritainThis should now be the go-to book for those looking for a broad understanding of the Tudors
—— Chris Skidmore , BBC History MagazineDe Lisle's energy and stamina in this vast operation are truly impressive. What is more, she tells an often thrilling story with great dexterity... Altogether, this remarkable achievement puts de Lisle firmly in the front rank of popular historians of the period
—— John Jolliffe , Catholic HeraldUnlike many books that claim to tell the story of the Tudors, but focus mainly on four characters (namely Henry VIII and his three children who all ruled England after him), this excellent book includes so many members of the Tudor family who may not always be forgotten, but are often sidelined
—— Good Book Guide