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In Benjamin Runkle’s new book, Wanted Dead or Alive: Manhunts From Geronimo to Bin Laden, he tries to bring to light not just the most wanted men in U.S. history, but also the soldiers who hunted them down. While much of this history has been covered, Runkle’s spin adds a new layer to the manhunt chronicle.
In the introduction to his book, Runkle describes his reasoning as follows: “It is ironic and tragic that, although the individuals targeted by U.S. forces are often sanitized and romanticized by history, the ‘quiet professionals’ who protect us are often forgotten.” The book certainly falls into the realm of obscure military strategy, which makes sense, since Runkle was a former paratrooper and presidential speechwriter and has worked in the Department of Defense and the National Security Council. But he also does a solid job of stringing along a narrative about the hunts for the likes of bin Laden, Emilio Aguinaldo, Pancho Villa and others that allows for a broad readership.
Runkle will read from Wanted Dead or Alive at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch, 9315 Dorchester Street, tonight at 7:30 p.m.; admission is free. For more information, visit www.tatteredcover.com or call 303-470-7050.
Mon., Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., 2011
