Lawrence Wright Livres

A gripping narrative that spans five decades, The Looming Tower explains in unprecedented detail the growth of Islamic fundamentalism, the rise of al-Qaeda, and the intelligence failures that culminated in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Lawrence Wright re-creates firsthand the transformation of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri from incompetent and idealistic soldiers in Afghanistan to leaders of the most successful terrorist group in history. He follows FBI counterterrorism chief John O’Neill as he uncovers the emerging danger from al-Qaeda in the 1990s and struggles to track this new threat. Packed with new information and a deep historical perspective, The Looming Tower is the definitive history of the long road to September 11. --back cover

Brilliantly written and highly original, this book tells the full story of Al Qaeda from its origins to 9/11. Drawing on interviews and first-hand sources, it explores the ideologues behind the organization and those who sought to stop them. Sayyid Qutb, a tormented Egyptian, was horrified by the perceived godlessness in America in 1948, and his writings made him a martyr for Islamic extremists. Ayman al-Zawahiri, a devout student, formed an underground jihadist cell by age fifteen. Osama bin Laden, a Saudi multimillionaire turned mujahideen commander, combined his interests with al-Zawahiri's to create a global terror coalition. The narrative also features John O'Neill, the FBI's flamboyant counterterrorism chief, whose warnings of an impending threat went unheeded, ultimately leading to his fate at the Twin Towers. Interweaving events like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the first World Trade Center attack, the book delves into training camps and secret meetings to uncover the complex origins of Al Qaeda's animosity toward the West. The acclaimed work includes a new Afterword addressing events since its publication, including Osama bin Laden's death.

The Terror Years is a collection of ten powerful pieces by Pulitzer Prize- winner Lawrence Wright, first published in The New Yorker, charting the path of terror in the Middle East from the rise of al-Qaeda to ISIS.

Explores both the American and Arab sides of the September 11th terrorist attacks in an account of the people, ideas, events, and intelligence failures that led to the tragedies.

The New York Times bestselling investigation into Scientology by Pulitzer Prize-Winner Lawrence Wright now published for the first time in the UK and Australia

The book showcases an impressive range of themes and ideas, weaving together a rich tapestry of narratives that span various perspectives and experiences. It captivates readers with its expansive scope, offering deep insights into the human condition while maintaining a compelling and engaging storytelling style. The author's skillful craftsmanship elevates the work, making it a remarkable contribution to contemporary literature.

A brilliant and thought-provoking examination of how the study of twins informs our understanding of free will, individual identity and human nature. Written with great elegance and with complete control of the sometimes complex issues, this is a remarkable piece of scientific writing, and one of the best and most accessible examples of how Darwinian ideas, evolutionary psychology and modern genetics are illuminating human nature.

A gripping account of the Camp David summit and the first peace treaty in the modern Middle East

Honoring the medical professionals around the country who've risked their lives to fight the virus, the author examines the medical, economic, political, and social ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic

The narrative explores the transformative summer experience of inner city New York children from black and Latino communities as they immerse themselves in an Amish and Mennonite farm community in the late 1970s. Sponsored by the Fresh Air Fund, these kids confront the stark contrasts between their urban upbringing and rural life, highlighting themes of cultural exchange, resilience, and personal growth. Lawrence Wright, renowned for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, provides a poignant and insightful look into their journey.