What made [Bin Laden] into history's most successful terrorist? Peter L. Bergen has written what will long be a "go-to" resource for those seeking answers to such questions…The result is a detailed, well-researched narrative that persuasively answers dozens of questions that are still painfully relevant…[a] fine volume.”

-Richard Clarke, Washington Post

Highly illuminating…Peter Bergen, an experienced reporter as well as an academic, stands out among terrorism "experts" for his breadth of experience and clear-headedness…Bergen has done a fine job of researching and compiling a very wide range of oral testimony….What emerges is a fascinating sequence of oblique-angled perspectives, casting light on the underlying motives of bin Laden and his companions and revealing some of his less-remarked but significant adventures.

- Max Rodenbeck, New York Review of Books

Peter Bergen's revealing, in-depth portrait of Osama bin Laden…The strength of this new book is that Bergen relies on many sources….His conclusions are clear-eyed and credible.

- Frank Davis, Miami Herald

Fascinating reading…the reader cannot help but come away with a better grasp of the big picture when it comes to bin Laden and how he evolved into the world's No. 1 criminal.

- Tom Walker, Denver Post

Brings together a treasure trove of information and documents about the man and the [al Qaeda] movement.

 - Henry Schuster, CNN.com

Bergen provides an authoritative, accessible, and fascinating account of the man for Western audiences.

- Nader Entessar, Library Journal

Know your enemy, the adage goes. This is a most helpful resource.

- Kirkus Reviews

Bergen has unearthed some great nuggets…. this extremely important book reminds us that he is still out there.

- Christina Lamb, The Sunday Times.

Fascinating….Bergen, a CNN journalist, has interviewed around 40 people who know or have met Bin Laden, including former bodyguards, associates and family members

- Brendan O'Neill, New Statesman

A virtual textbook of references on the elusive Saudi's life,

- Olivia Ward, Toronto Star

A very significant and informative book, which can be directly credited to Bergen's enthusiasm for painting as accurate a picture as possible, without resorting to any unnecessary editorializing or sensationalism on his part. It will remain the standard on which other books on Bin Laden will be judged for years to come.

- Mohammed Alkhereiji, Asharq Al Awsat