Intelligence in War: Knowledge of the Enemy From Napoleon to Al-Qaeda Audiobook

" This is a history of the use of intelligence of a variety of types in war. The main thesis is that human intelligence (spying, espionage, etc.) is usually associated with intelligence but that the most important forms of intelligence are actually based on electronic surveillance and code decryption. This is a fine and interesting point. The presentation, however, tends to focus less on intelligence and more on warfare and the narratives of particular battles where intelligence played some role, but the role of intelligence is often minimal. For instance, an entire chapter is devoted to Nelson chasing Napoleon around the Mediterranean because he didn't know where Napoleon's ships were as there was no way to gather such information at that time. Using this to make a point is fine, but the chapter went into great depth about what is a relatively uninteresting example from an intelligence standpoint. On the other end of the title is the role of intelligence in the battle against Al Qaeda, which seems like it should provide a wealth of positive examples. I guess this was a naive hope on my part (though one that was based largely on the title of the book) as much of that information must necessarily be classified, but the entire discussion takes up a brief reference in the Afterward. The book is mostly well written (a few places where it could use some improved editing, but nothing major) and probably interesting to those who enjoy warfare narratives, but it was disappointing from the standpoint of wanting to understand intelligence and intelligence gathering better. "

" The author focused on a number of military campaigns, beginning with Admiral Nelson's fleet chasing and seeking Napoleon Bonaparte's fleet in Egypt and eventually destroying it. The focus of all the campaigns Keegan studies and writes about is the impact of intelligence. "

" This book had so much potential but fell on its face for me. It was hard to stay captivated about a topic I find myself very interested in. I did pick up quite a bit, especially about the true nature of intelligence in WWII. Unfortuantely, it was difficult to really focus on all the details. "

" From Admiral Nelson to the invasion of Iraq, Keegan outlines the role intelligence has played in warfare. He showed the breakthroughs of wireless in WWI naval warfare, and the breaking of the Enigma's effect on the Battle of the Atlantic. Knowledge doesn't win battles -- brute, physical force wins battles. Intelligence helps, but in the end -- courage and tenacity makes or breaks the fight. "

" Really good analysis of military intelligence throughout time using a lot of historical examples. Good, but not quite as exciting as his others, when I think about it I can hardly remember any specifics. "

" Good, not great. Keegan has earned his reputation, and is fair in this case- he actually puts in examples where intelligence swung the result, where it didn't seem to have an impact... and where it didn't matter at all (it turns out people still have to fight the battles). Not a necessary read, but an interesting one. "

" For all those who hold that all we need is better intelligence. This is a real paradigm shift. Keegan's historical expertise shows eloquently why it's just not that simple. A must read for anyone in the intelligence fields, military or decision making politic. "

" It wasn't bad, but not as much detail on intelligence as I would have liked. That said, it did have some interesting stories and John Keegan is a great writer of military history. "

" really fun if you like military history. keegan is dry but nobody understands this stuff better. "

" Very interesting analysis of HUMINT's role in war and a much recommended reflection on what will it be in the modern day conflicts. "

" I found it interesting. It offers very broad coverage of what should be called Counter-Intelligence. "

" An interesting read about the art of war-time spying and how it can impact the outcome of a conflict. "

" Keegan can be tedious in detail at times but never fails to make creative and masterful conclusions. "

" Good, interesting read--I particulary enjoyed his discussion of Nelson's chase for Napoleon. Great assessment of just how useful or insignificant intelligence can be in battle and war . . . "

" Great 360 degree look into the use of intelligence in wartime throughout history. A great read through the many different eras of intelligence's successes and failures. "

" How small but crucial information has swung the tides of history. "

" A great book that firmly demonstrates the advantages and limitations of good intelligence in war. I recommend this to anyone. "

" Probably my least favorite Keegan book. It never really had a cohesive thread, it was just a collection of histories of famous examples of intelligence being used effectively in war. The best was the Falklands War chapter, which I knew very little about. "

" I gave up on this book in the middle of the chapter about the Shenandoah valley campaign. Just didn't give a rotund rodent's rump about the back and forths involved in it-- the minutiae of a military campaign held no interest for me. "

" Keegan's book on intelligence (i.e. spies etc.) in war. Lots of interesting stories -- but the final conclusion is that intelligence is important, but not as important as is often thought. "

" Anything by John Keegan is great history. He's the best military historian around in my opinion. "

" Probably my least favorite Keegan book. It never really had a cohesive thread, it was just a collection of histories of famous examples of intelligence being used effectively in war. The best was the Falklands War chapter, which I knew very little about. "

" A great book that firmly demonstrates the advantages and limitations of good intelligence in war. I recommend this to anyone. "

" Excellent account of some of the most notable examples in history of the trade. Conclusions about the field made at the very end were in my opinion off target, but overall a great book if you want to learn about the history and importance of intelligence in war. "

" Great 360 degree look into the use of intelligence in wartime throughout history. A great read through the many different eras of intelligence's successes and failures. "

" Really good analysis of military intelligence throughout time using a lot of historical examples. Good, but not quite as exciting as his others, when I think about it I can hardly remember any specifics. "

" Keegan can be tedious in detail at times but never fails to make creative and masterful conclusions. "

" For all those who hold that all we need is better intelligence. This is a real paradigm shift. Keegan's historical expertise shows eloquently why it's just not that simple. A must read for anyone in the intelligence fields, military or decision making politic. "

" I gave up on this book in the middle of the chapter about the Shenandoah valley campaign. Just didn't give a rotund rodent's rump about the back and forths involved in it-- the minutiae of a military campaign held no interest for me. "

" Anything by John Keegan is great history. He's the best military historian around in my opinion. "

" How small but crucial information has swung the tides of history. "

" This book had so much potential but fell on its face for me. It was hard to stay captivated about a topic I find myself very interested in. I did pick up quite a bit, especially about the true nature of intelligence in WWII. Unfortuantely, it was difficult to really focus on all the details. "