Louis Freeh led the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1993 to 2001, through some of the most tumultuous times in its long history. Bill Clinton called Freeh a law enforcement legend when he nominated him as FBI Director. Unfortunately, the good feelings would not last. When Clinton later called that appointment the worst one he had made as president, Freeh considered it a badge of honour. The FBI that Freeh took over was still reeling from the bloody standoff at Ruby Ridge and the conflagration that ended the siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Unpopular, under-funded and understaffed, the Bureau was also creeping along in the technological Dark Ages. For eight years-the second longest tenure of any Director since J. Edgar Hoover - Freeh would fight tooth and nail to turn the FBI around, including going toe-to-toe with his boss during the scandal-plagued '90s, when Freeh defended his agency from political interference and worked to protect America from the growing threat of terrorism. This is Freeh's entire story, from his Catholic upbringing in New Jersey to law school, the FBI training academy, his career as a U.5. District attorney and as a federal judge, and finally his eight years as the nation's top cop. With a frank, clear-eyed, and realistic view, Freeh delivers the definitive account of American law enforcement in the run-up to September 11.