The Looming Tower

by Lawrence Wright
The Looming Tower cover
Good Books rating 4.31
History
Technical:
  • ID: 714
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780141980850
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2014-11-27
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4
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Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99

The Looming Tower is a gripping account of the events that led to the 9/11 attacks, exploring the origins of radical Islam and the intricate network of terrorists that emerged. It delves into the lives of key figures, including the FBI agent whose warnings went unheeded, providing a detailed and thrilling narrative of the pre-9/11 era. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is not just a historical account but also a tragic thriller, revealing the complexities and failures that allowed such a devastating event to occur. It is a compelling read that combines meticulous research with engaging storytelling, offering insights into the minds of those involved and the systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy.

Reviews
U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons · DL Teska · 2025-09-19
insightful 4.00

The book offers a thought-provoking analysis of Al-Qaeda's history and the principal actors involved. It is a factual and insightful exploration of the events leading to 9/11.

DL Teska highlights the book's thought-provoking analysis of Al-Qaeda's history and the key figures involved in the 9/11 attacks. They appreciate the factual and insightful exploration, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy. Teska finds the book to be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of global terrorism. The detailed narrative is both informative and thought-provoking, making it a significant contribution to the literature on 9/11.

Quick quotes

    This is a thought-provoking and factual analysis of the history of a global terror organization, Al-Qaeda.

    It traces the principal actors behind the 9/11 attacks with precision and insight.

    The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy.

Five Books · 2025-09-19
important 4.00

The book is a detailed narrative history of the events leading to 9/11. It is considered an important work that provides expert commentary on the subject.

This review highlights the book's comprehensive narrative of the events leading up to 9/11. It is seen as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of the terrorist attacks and their antecedents. The reviewer emphasizes the book's importance in providing expert commentary and insights into the historical context. The detailed account is praised for its thoroughness and the depth of its analysis.

Quick quotes

    The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright is a detailed narrative history of the events leading to 9/11.

    Read expert commentary on this important book.

    The book provides a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of the terrorist attacks.

The Guardian · Tariq Ali · 2006-09-09
insightful 4.50

The reconstruction of the lives of the main characters in the 9/11 horror show is admired for its depth. The narrative provides a compelling look into the events leading up to the tragedy.

Tariq Ali praises Lawrence Wright's ability to bring to life the key figures involved in the events leading to 9/11. They appreciate the detailed portrayal of the characters and the insight into the complex web of events. Ali finds the book to be a thorough and engaging exploration of a pivotal moment in history. The narrative is both informative and gripping, offering a deep dive into the motivations and actions of those involved.

Quick quotes

    Tariq Ali admires Lawrence Wright's reconstruction of the lives of the main characters in the 9/11 horror show.

    The narrative provides a compelling look into the events leading up to the tragedy.

    The book offers a thorough and engaging exploration of a pivotal moment in history.

The New York Times · Dexter Filkins · 2006-08-06
groundbreaking 4.75

The book is a groundbreaking look at the people and ideas behind the terrorist plans. It offers a sweeping narrative history of the events leading to 9/11.

Dexter Filkins commends the book for its groundbreaking examination of the individuals and ideologies that led to the 9/11 attacks. They appreciate the sweeping narrative that provides a comprehensive overview of the events. Filkins finds the book to be an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the broader context of the terrorist acts. The detailed analysis is praised for its depth and the insights it offers into the minds of the perpetrators.

Quick quotes

    A groundbreaking look at the people and ideas, the terrorist plans and the Western intelligence failures.

    A sweeping narrative history of the events leading to 9/11.

    The book offers a comprehensive overview of the events and the broader context of the terrorist acts.

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