Scott Anderson

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'If you want to understand the turmoil in Gaza, Syria and beyond, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 is a good place to start.' The Times 'Excellent' Telegraph 'Brilliant' Financial Times 'Exceptional' New York Times A spellbinding narrative history of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and its devastating consequences by the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia. Before the revolution, the Shah of Iran seemed invincible. The world watched in awe as he commanded a huge army and oversaw an economy awash with billions of dollars of oil revenues. The regime’s secret police had crushed communist opposition and the Shah appeared to have bought off the conservative Muslim clergy inside the country. On the international stage, Iran had become an invaluable ally to the West during the Cold War. But village streets spoke of a different country – people derided the Shah as an American lackey and blamed him for economic inequality, for spending recklessly on lavish parties and for ignoring the Muslim majority. When a volcanic religious revolution erupted, led by a fiery cleric named Ayatollah Khomeini, the Shah was forced off the throne and into exile. How did it all go so wrong? Brilliantly brought to life by the Sunday Times bestselling author Scott Anderson, this gripping behind-the-scenes narrative reveals how the Iranian Revolution was as world-shattering an event as the French and Russian revolutions, and how its repercussions are still felt around the world today. In the Middle East, in India, in Southeast Asia, and now in Europe and the United States, the hatred of economically-marginalized, religiously-fervent masses for a wealthy secular elite has led to violence and upheaval – and Iran was the template. 'Gripping... Anderson does an excellent job of narrating the extraordinary events of the revolution' Spectator 'Told with clarity and directness. It is unlikely that a more authoritative account of this torrid period will ever be written' Observer 'A sweeping, gripping book, one that makes past times and dead people (often weird, complex and evil) spring to life with its narrative verve and attention to detail... Riveting... Compelling' Wall Street Journal 'Timely... a lively tale of palace intrigue' New Yorker 'The most compelling account yet of the revolution in Iran... Outstanding' Eugene Rogan, author of The Fall of the Ottomans 'Thrilling... the gold standard account of the Shah’s fall... An epic and heart-breaking tragedy' Azadeh Moaveni, author of Guest House for Young Widows ‘A masterfully told account… A must-read’ Steve Coll, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Ghost Wars ‘Delivers remarkable new insights into one of history’s least understood upheavals’ Kim Ghattas, author of Black Wave 'Thrilling and fully authoritative' Azadeh Moaveni, award-winning author of Lipstick Jihad and Guest House for Young Widows 'Important and riveting' Sebastian Junger, bestselling author of In My Time of Dying and Tribe

'The most compelling account yet of the revolution in Iran... Outstanding'Eugene Rogan'Thrilling and fully authoritative'Azadeh Moaveni'Important and riveting'Sebastian JungerBefore the revolution, the Shah of Iran seemed invincible. The world watched in awe as he commanded a huge army and oversaw an economy awash with billions of dollars of oil revenues. The regime’s secret police had crushed communist opposition and the Shah appeared to have bought off the conservative Muslim clergy inside the country. On the international stage, Iran had become an invaluable ally to the West during the Cold War.But village streets spoke of a different country – people derided the Shah as an American lackey and blamed him for economic inequality, for spending recklessly on lavish parties and for ignoring the Muslim majority. When a volcanic religious revolution erupted, led by a fiery cleric named Ayatollah Khomeini, the Shah was forced off the throne and into exile. How did it all go so wrong?Brilliantly brought to life by the Sunday Times bestselling author Scott Anderson, this gripping behind-the-scenes narrative reveals how the Iranian Revolution was as world-shattering an event as the French and Russian revolutions, and how its repercussions are still felt around the world today. In the Middle East, in India, in Southeast Asia, and now in Europe and the United States, the hatred of economically-marginalized, religiously-fervent masses for a wealthy secular elite has led to violence and upheaval – and Iran was the template.

From the author of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller Lawrence in Arabia, a stunningly revelatory narrative history of one of the most momentous events in modern times, the jaw-dropping stupidity of the American government, and the dawn of the age of religious nationalism. "A must-read that is both urgent and unforgettable." --Steve Coll, author of The Achilles Trap, Directorate S, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, and Ghost Wars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize "A masterful and gripping account of the Iranian revolution. Anderson gives us a page-turning history lesson that is more relevant than ever."--Rajiv Chandrasekaran, author Imperial Life in the Emerald City, a finalist for the National Book Award On New Year's Eve, 1977, on a state visit to Iran, President Jimmy Carter toasted Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, King of Kings, Light of the Aryans, Shadow of God on Earth, praising Iran as "an island of stability " due to "your leadership and the respect and admiration and love which your people give to you." Iran had the world's fifth largest army and was awash in billions of dollars in oil revenues. Construction cranes dotted the skyline of its booming capital, Tehran. The regime's feared secret police force SAVAK had crushed communist opposition, and the Shah had bought off the conservative Muslim clergy inside the country. He seemed invulnerable, and invaluable to the United States as an ally in the Cold War. Fourteen months later the Shah fled Iran into exile, forced from the throne by a volcanic religious revolution led by a fiery cleric named Ayatollah Khomeini. The ensuing hostage crisis forever damaged America's standing in the world. How could the United States, which had one of the largest CIA stations in the world and thousands of military personnel in Iran, have been so blind? The spellbinding story Scott Anderson weaves is one of a dictator blind to the disdain of his subjects and a superpower blundering into disaster. Scott Anderson tells this astonishing tale with the narrative brio, mordant wit, and keen analysis that made his bestselling Lawrence of Arabia one of the key texts in understanding the modern Middle East. The Iranian Revolution, Anderson convincingly argues, was as world-shattering an event as the French and Russian revolutions. In the Middle East, in India, in Southeast Asia, in Europe, and now in the United States, the hatred of economically-marginalized, religiously-fervent masses for a wealthy secular elite has led to violence and upheaval - and Iran was the template. King of Kings is a bravura work of history, and a warning.

You're Not Toast shows exhausted overachievers how to break free from burnout - for good. If you're tired of feeling drained, overwhelmed, and trapped in a life that looks successful but feels empty, this book is your roadmap to real recovery. Scott Anderson knows burnout inside and out - because he lived it. Now, after helping hundreds of high-performers reclaim their energy, Anderson shares his powerful Burnout Breakthrough System with readers ready for lasting change. Inside, you'll discover: How to recover your energy quickly - without quitting your job or blowing up your life Why your greatest strengths may secretly be burning you out - and how to harness them in a healthy way A fast, practical technique for releasing anxiety, exhaustion, and overwhelm in minutes a day How to create a new "mental GPS" to guide your career and life with clarity and confidence Burnout doesn't have to be your story. You're not stuck. You're not failing. You're not toast. Turn the page and begin your recovery today.

‘A darkly entertaining tale about American espionage, set in an era when Washington’s fear and skepticism about the agency resembles our climate today.’ New York Times At the end of World War II, the United States dominated the world militarily, economically, and in moral standing – seen as the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear – to some – that the Soviet Union was already executing a plan to expand and foment revolution around the world. The American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly-formed CIA. The Quiet Americans chronicles the exploits of four spies – Michael Burke, a charming former football star fallen on hard times, Frank Wisner, the scion of a wealthy Southern family, Peter Sichel, a sophisticated German Jew who escaped the Nazis, and Edward Lansdale, a brilliant ad executive. The four ran covert operations across the globe, trying to outwit the ruthless KGB in Berlin, parachuting commandos into Eastern Europe, plotting coups, and directing wars against Communist insurgents in Asia. But time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of stupidity and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government – and more profoundly, the decision to abandon American ideals. By the mid-1950s, the Soviet Union had a stranglehold on Eastern Europe, the US had begun its disastrous intervention in Vietnam, and America, the beacon of democracy, was overthrowing democratically elected governments and earning the hatred of much of the world. All of this culminated in an act of betrayal and cowardice that would lock the Cold War into place for decades to come. Anderson brings to the telling of this story all the narrative brio, deep research, sceptical eye, and lively prose that made Lawrence in Arabia a major international bestseller. The intertwined lives of these men began in a common purpose of defending freedom, but the ravages of the Cold War led them to different fates. Two would quit the CIA in despair, stricken by the moral compromises they had to make; one became the archetype of the duplicitous and destructive American spy; and one would be so heartbroken he would take his own life. Scott Anderson’s The Quiet Americans is the story of these four men. It is also the story of how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.

From the &i>Sunday Times &/i>bestselling author of &i>Lawrence in Arabia&/i>, a gripping history of the early years of the Cold War, the CIAs covert battles against communism, and the tragic consequences which still affect America and the world today

From the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia--the gripping story of four CIA agents during the early days of the Cold War--and how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world. "Enthralling ... captivating reading." --The New York Times Book Review At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear--to some--that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government's strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chronicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.

A Visual Language is a practical introduction to the language of the visual arts, with a strong, innovative methodology. This expanded second edition begins with the basics of shape, composition and drawing, and gradually moves on to explore more complex arrangements, including abstract and representational analysis and composition. Building on the principles of visual language established in their last book, the authors now explore three-dimensional forms of increasing complexity.The final chapter of the book is devoted to a selection of sketchbook studies on ten international artists from various different visual disciplines, from architects and animators to painters and performance artists. This section demonstrates practically the methods presented earlier in the book, and helps visual artists to develop skills and confidence in their artistic work.Featuring a large number of new images, this book is essential reading for any artist in any field, regardless of their level, and is the only introduction to the visual arts that a beginner should require.

A lucid, powerful, and very human account of the transformation of the Arab world in the years following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, by the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Lawrence in Arabia.

The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller'Fascinating... Masterly' Max Hastings, Sunday Times

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - A New York Times Notable Book - Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Biography - A thrilling and revelatory narrative of one of the most epic and consequential periods in 20th century history - the Arab Revolt and the secret "great game" to control the Middle East "A fascinating book, the best work of military history in recent memory and an illuminating analysis of issues that still loom large today."--The New York Times "Brilliant. . . . A dazzling accomplishment that combines superb historical research with a compelling narrative."--The Seattle TimesThe Arab Revolt against the Turks in World War I was, in the words of T. E. Lawrence, "a sideshow of a sideshow." As a result, the conflict was shaped to a remarkable degree by a small handful of adventurers and low-level officers far removed from the corridors of power. At the center of it all was Lawrence himself. In early 1914 he was an archaeologist excavating ruins in Syria; by 1917 he was riding into legend at the head of an Arab army as he fought a rearguard action against his own government and its imperial ambitions. Based on four years of intensive primary document research, Lawrence in Arabia definitively overturns received wisdom on how the modern Middle East was formed. One of the Best Books of the Year: NPR, The Christian Science Monitor, The Seattle Times, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chicago Tribune

"Reignite clearly defines the DNA of top-performing salespeople and provides an outstanding road map for sales performance improvement. This is a must-read for anyone in sales or sales leadership " -Brian Tracy, Author, High Performance Selling Do You Have the Right Attitude to Be Successful? Top performers are made. They make themselves--finding their own unique ways of moving up the ladder of success by having the right attitude, being more motivated, practicing personal accountability, and treasuring integrity. This book will help you: - Focus on what really matters and increase your overall sales results. - Become more self-aware of what stands in the way of taking your performance to the next level. - Rediscover your passion for selling and develop a sense of purpose. - Understand the key attributes that drive sales success and make you a more effective and productive sales professional. "Reignite is a great book for salespeople, sales managers, and sales executives. Scott and Chip compellingly present the case that attitude and passion are the foundation of successful selling . . . I've seen this process in action, and I know that it can be transformative for all levels of the sales team." -- Craig Evanich, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Andersen Windows "While many salespeople know what it takes to be successful, they aren't always willing to pay the price it takes to improve. In Reignite, Anderson and Kudrle clearly articulate the value proposition of 'paying the price' and provide a step-by-step guide for taking performance to the next level." -- David Cronk, Vice President, Inside Sales, Hewlett-Packard "Reignite does a great job of reminding us that if you want to 'make it happen', attitude is the first line of defense. This book provides excellent examples on how to rebuild your skill set, capture your motivation, and discover your personal purpose and passion for selling." - Shawn O'Grady, Senior Vice President, Consumer Foods Sales Division, General Mills, Inc.

"The waves on Lake Superior nearly splattered them all over the cliffs, and mosquitoes almost ate them alive in the Boundary Waters. Halfway through the three-month trip, they buried their underwear. But who needs underwear when you’re 22 years old and living out the adventure of a boyhood dream?" -St. Paul Pioneer Press"Distant Fires, a true-life adventure, describes a 1,700-mile canoe trip from Duluth to York Factory on Hudson Bay. Anderson and a companion retraced the paddles taken by Eric Sevareid and a companion almost sixty years earlier. Their trials and tribulations, plus Anderson’s sense of humor, make the trip fun in book form. Pen-and-ink illustrations are by noted Minnesota wildlife artist Les Kouba." -Minneapolis Star Tribune"Distant Fires is a voyage of discovery. Scott Anderson is an inquisitive traveler, and when he sees something that piques his interest, he stops for a chat. He also has a marvelous eye for the natural world that surrounds him in his summerlong journey. He is a natural-born writer." -Duluth News Tribune"Some of [Anderson’s] phrasing is very happy indeed: ‘the resting place of the rivers.’ I wish I had written that." -Eric Sevareid

David Richards is a mid-level diplomat assigned to the sleepy, backwater Middle Eastern kingdom of Kutar in 1983. He spends his days on minor development projects and his nights seducing ambassador's wives. But when news of a tribal skirmish reaches the capital, Richards soon finds himself embroiled in a civil war as Colonel Munn, a pint-sized, blustery Texan assigned to Kutar, organizes a preemptive offensive against the rebellious forces. After Munn is immediately routed and the rebellion seizes control of the capitol, Richards holes up in the ramshackle Moonlight Hotel with fellow expatriates, determined to ride out the conflict despite the growing chaos and destruction that are heading towards them. This is a stunning and thrilling novel of war and survival from an acclaimed war correspondent.

Features photographs that capture the fear and powerlessness of the Lebanese population in the face of the ceaseless Israeli air strikes, revealing the terror and despair of families and friends witnessing the deaths of their loved ones, whilst around them their homes were destroyed.