Penguin Books Ltd Lawrence of Arabia The definitive 21st-century biography of a 20th-century soldier, adventurer and leader.

by Ranulph Fiennes

Lawrence of Arabia The definitive 21st-century biography of a 20th-century soldier, adventurer and leader ABISBOOK Penguin Books Ltd.

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE, better known as Ranulph (Ran) Fiennes, is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records.

Fiennes has written books about his army service and his expeditions as well as a book defending Robert Falcon Scott from modern revisionists. In May 2009, aged 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records he is the world's greatest living adventurer.

Reviews

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible, concise recounting of Lawrence’s personal and military life, predominately focused on Lawrence’s involvement in the Arab revolt. Fiennes’ retelling is both gripping and touching, presented as deep dive into Lawrence’s character and inner conflicts.

I would’ve given it 5 stars, but I found Fiennes’ interjections comparing Lawrence’s military moments to his own in Oman to be tedious and repetitive. I think the goal was for Fiennes’ to demonstrate that he is able to sympathise and understand Lawrence and his story, and therefore give legitimacy to his retelling, but I would’ve preferred it without the interjections.