The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden

The world's leading expert on Osama bin Laden, Peter Bergen, delivers the "riveting" (The New York Times) definitive biography of a man who set the course of American foreign policy for the 21st century and whose ideological heirs we continue to battle today. Bergen's book sheds light on bin Laden's many contradictions, including his son of a billionaire, his two wives, his religious beliefs, and his failure to achieve his strategic goals. Despite his unheroic denouement, his ideology lives on, thanks to exclusive interviews with family members and associates, and documents unearthed only recently.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

The world's foremost authority on Osama bin Laden presents the captivating and definitive biography of a man who profoundly shaped American foreign policy for the twenty-first century, and whose ideological progeny remains a formidable adversary. In his meticulously researched and compelling account, Peter Bergan delves into the multifaceted life of bin Laden, encompassing his roles as a family man, a devout zealot, a skilled battlefield commander, a charismatic terrorist leader, and a fugitive on the run. Through exclusive interviews with family members and associates, as well as the uncovering of previously unpublished documents, Bergan offers a comprehensive, authoritative, and compelling portrayal of the man behind the infamous al-Qaeda organization.

The book sheds light on bin Laden's intricate contradictions, revealing his paradoxical nature. Despite being the son of a billionaire, he insisted on living a humble life, often eschewing luxury and material comforts. He deeply loved his wives and children, relying on his two wives, both of whom held Ph.D. degrees, to make crucial strategic decisions. However, his actions ultimately brought devastation to his family. Bin Laden was fiercely religious, yet he was willing to unleash acts of violence against innocent civilians in the name of Islam. His followers held him in high regard, but his bodyguards ultimately turned against him. Despite inflicting the most devastating act of mass murder in United States history, bin Laden failed to achieve any of his strategic objectives.

In his later years, bin Laden's image was that of an aging man with a graying beard, watching old footage of himself, reminiscent of a father flipping through television channels with his remote. Despite his unheroic demise, his ideology continues to endure. Bergan's meticulous research and access to previously unseen documents provide a deep insight into bin Laden's life and beliefs, shedding light on the enduring impact of his actions on global security. The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden is a seminal work that offers valuable insights into the complex and enigmatic figure of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 142 x 212 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982170530