Steve Coll

Steve Coll is an American journalist, author, and business executive. He is a staff writer at The New Yorker, and has served as the dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Coll is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and has written several acclaimed books, including 'Ghost Wars' and 'Private Empire.'

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Ghost Wars

    The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001
    Cover of 'Ghost Wars' by Steve Coll

    "Ghost Wars" is an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to just before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The book provides an intricate account of the CIA's role and America's foreign policy in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the emergence of Osama Bin Laden. It also details the numerous missed opportunities to capture or kill Bin Laden, and the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

    The 8563rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Deal Of The Century

    The Breakup of AT&T
    Cover of 'The Deal Of The Century' by Steve Coll

    This compelling narrative delves into the intricate world of high-stakes business negotiations, chronicling the dramatic events surrounding a monumental corporate merger that reshaped the telecommunications industry. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book unveils the strategic maneuvers, intense rivalries, and personal ambitions that drove key players to orchestrate one of the most significant deals in history. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complex interplay of power, politics, and finance, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the relentless pursuit of corporate dominance.

    The 8989th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Directorate S

    The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001-2016
    Cover of 'Directorate S' by Steve Coll

    This book provides an in-depth examination of the covert wars conducted by the CIA in Afghanistan and Pakistan, also known as "Directorate S." It offers an analysis of the complex relationships between the CIA, the military, and foreign governments, as well as the political and cultural challenges that shaped the war. The book also explores the consequences of these secret wars, including the rise of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and the impact on U.S. foreign policy.

    The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Achilles Trap

    Cover of 'The Achilles Trap' by Steve Coll

    "The Achilles Trap" delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Saddam Hussein, exploring the events leading up to the 2003 Iraq invasion. The book examines the political and intelligence missteps that resulted in the conflict, focusing on why Saddam maintained the illusion of possessing weapons of mass destruction. Through detailed accounts of Saddam's rise to power, his inner circle, and the geopolitical dynamics at play, the narrative reveals the misunderstandings and miscalculations that fueled the war. Drawing from a wealth of sources, Steve Coll presents a comprehensive portrait of Saddam's mindset and the broader implications of the US-Iraq relationship.

    The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time
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