The Associated Press, which obtained an early copy of the insider biography of Petraeus, reported that he decided that resigning would be a "selfish, grandstanding move with huge political ramifications"and that now was "time to salute and carry on."

Petraeus, now CIA director, is the subject of All In: The Education of General David Petraeus, due from Penguin Press in January.

The AP notes that "author and Petraeus confidante Paula Broadwell had extensive access to the general in Afghanistan and Washington."