Synopses & Reviews
T.E. Lawrence, also known as "Lawrence of Arabia," wrote Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph from his memories of serving as a liaison officer with rebel forces during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks (1916-1918). Possessed of a brilliant military mind and an unmatched knowledge of the region and the Arab people, Lawrence led the revolt alongside the charismatic Faisal I, sounding the death knell for the Ottoman Empire and paving the way for a new colonial power in the region: the British. Writing from memory after his original manuscript and detailed notes were lost, Lawrence was able to privately publish a polished version of his autobiograhpical account in 1922. It is from this edition that he created the abridged version in 1927 which would become a best-seller, titling it Revolt in the Desert. This important historic work vividly portrays one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Middle East while offering rich insight into one of Britain's esteemed national heroes.
Review
"The race of heroes is not dead. [This book] is a great epic of deeds. Lawrence himself is already a legend. But seldom does the hero of a legend write his own account of his acts and deeds. More seldom still does his legend survive the writing. But Lawrence triumphs over everything." -- New York Times Book Review "Not a dull or empty sentence from end to end."-- George Bernard Shaw, writer
Synopsis
The Arab Revolt of 1916-1918, when the disparate tribes of Arabia rose up as one great force to defeat an empire, was one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Middle East and a pivotal element of the Middle Eastern arena of World War I. It sounded the death knell for the Ottoman Empire and paved the way for a new colonial power in the region - the British. It was T.E. Lawrence, a young army officer with a brilliant military mind and unmatched knowledge of the region and the Arab people, who - alongside the charismatic Faisal I - led the Revolt. These were epic events that changed the shape of the Middle East and affected Lawrence for the rest of his life. His magnificent first-hand account of the period is now a classic of 20th century literature. Revolt in the Desert, the abridged and far more accessible edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, became an instant bestseller when it was first published in 1927.
About the Author
T.E. Lawrence (1888-1935) was educated at Oxford, and later made a research fellow of All Souls College. In 1921, he became Advisor on Arab Affairs in the Colonial Office. In 1927, uncomfortable with his "Lawrence of Arabia" legend, Lawrence changed his name to Shaw and joined the British Royal Air Force (RAF). He was killed in a motorbike accident in 1935 at the age of 47. Lawrence is best known for his classic work, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, an account of the Arab Revolt.