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Sterling Point Books: Lawrence of Arabia
Colorful characters, a larger-than-life hero, stirring battles, death-defying desert treks, and an adventure rich in mystery and romance, are all depicted by a great writer. That and more is what readers will find in this spellbinding biography of Lawrence of Arabia that is impossible to put down. Bestselling author and screenwriter Alistair MacLean follows Lawrence as he breaks with tradition to live with Arabs and, using modern-day guerrilla tactics, helps them defeat the Turks and gain an independent state. In addition to the enthralling details of the campaign, MacLean provides valuable insight into the origins of the Middle East we know today.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
23 people are currently reading
1470 people want to read
About the author
Alistair MacLean
354 books1,212 followersAlistair Stuart MacLean (Scottish Gaelic: Alasdair MacGill-Eain), the son of a Scots Minister, was brought up in the Scottish Highlands. In 1941, at the age of eighteen, he joined the Royal Navy; two and a half years spent aboard a cruiser were to give him the background for HMS Ulysses, his first novel, the outstanding documentary novel on the war at sea. After the war he gained an English Honours degree at Glasgow University, and became a schoolmaster. In 1983, he was awarded a D. Litt. from the same university.
Maclean is the author of twenty-nine world bestsellers and recognised as an outstanding writer in his own genre. Many of his titles have been adapted for film - The Guns of the Navarone, The Satan Bug, Force Ten from Navarone, Where Eagles Dare and Bear Island are among the most famous.
Maclean is the author of twenty-nine world bestsellers and recognised as an outstanding writer in his own genre. Many of his titles have been adapted for film - The Guns of the Navarone, The Satan Bug, Force Ten from Navarone, Where Eagles Dare and Bear Island are among the most famous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 8, 2013
(***1/2) Finished reading this with my kids, but I probably enjoyed it the most. It was a fun introduction to Lawrence of Arabia written by Alstair MacLean in 1962. It focuses on the role that T.E. Lawrence played in the Arab Revolt during WWI. There is just enough wind-up with his early life, character, etc., and the history/geography of Arabia to insure the thrust of MacLean's small biography doesn't lose nonserious readers in a desert of Arab ignorance. But the book's real brilliance is in MacLean's depiction of the Capture of Aqaba, Battle of Tafileh and the Fall of Damascus. At the end, MacLean also ties the book off with a summary of the post-War years and some of the political results of T.E. Lawrence's work with Winston Churchill and the Colonial Office.
Again, as a biography this is probably not where I would start for T.E. Lawrence. This is more literary hagiography than biography. Alistar MacLean is better known for his war novels like 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare'. MacLean's book came out the same year as Lawrence of Arabia the academy award winning movie (which suggests this was one of those books intended to surf the wave of interest generated by a popular film). But still, if you are going to read one biography to your kids designed around a legend, saint, or mythmaker ... you could certainly feed the kids worse.
Again, as a biography this is probably not where I would start for T.E. Lawrence. This is more literary hagiography than biography. Alistar MacLean is better known for his war novels like 'The Guns of Navarone' and 'Where Eagles Dare'. MacLean's book came out the same year as Lawrence of Arabia the academy award winning movie (which suggests this was one of those books intended to surf the wave of interest generated by a popular film). But still, if you are going to read one biography to your kids designed around a legend, saint, or mythmaker ... you could certainly feed the kids worse.
July 8, 2018
I read this as I wanted to know more about Lawrence of Arabia, as when I visited Wadi Rum in Jordan, the movie Lawrence of Arabia was mentioned. I realized that I knew literally nothing about this historical figure and also don't have a great deal of interest in the movie.
What can I say about this book - Lawrence of Arabia seems like he was an interesting and open minded dude considering the age he was living in. I also learned a bit more about Arab history. Unfortunately military strategy type books are not my cup of tea, which means that I cannot give this a higher rating. However, if you want a reasonably short book about this historical figure in order to learn more and/or if you want to learn more about warfare in this area during the Turkish occupation, totally check this out!
What can I say about this book - Lawrence of Arabia seems like he was an interesting and open minded dude considering the age he was living in. I also learned a bit more about Arab history. Unfortunately military strategy type books are not my cup of tea, which means that I cannot give this a higher rating. However, if you want a reasonably short book about this historical figure in order to learn more and/or if you want to learn more about warfare in this area during the Turkish occupation, totally check this out!
January 17, 2018
Five stars not absolutely for how well this is written but just how the story of one person truly doing so much can hit. The version I read was older and illustrated by Gil Waters and I felt that the sketches really added to atomespehere of the book.
Also this doesn't take much longer to read then it does to watch the movie, possibly quicker.
Also this doesn't take much longer to read then it does to watch the movie, possibly quicker.
May 2, 2018
MacLean wrote adventure stories, often centered on WWII events and sometimes reflecting his naval experience. I was surprised to realize that MacLean had written about the desert exploits of T. E. Lawrence in WWI.
Not far into the book, I thought MacLean had reverted to his schoolmaster days and checked the publication date--1962, the year of the film. In Sam Spiegel by Natasha Fraser-Cassavoni, claim is made that MacLean was commissioned to write about Lawrence of Arabia to create interest in the U.S. in this British hero of WWI. MacLean succeeded admirably.
Not far into the book, I thought MacLean had reverted to his schoolmaster days and checked the publication date--1962, the year of the film. In Sam Spiegel by Natasha Fraser-Cassavoni, claim is made that MacLean was commissioned to write about Lawrence of Arabia to create interest in the U.S. in this British hero of WWI. MacLean succeeded admirably.
June 23, 2010
Not for young children!
September 26, 2013
I don't understand why people are reviewing this book as inappropriate for kids. Maybe not for small children, of course, but I would give it to a middle- or high schooler. It's about as G-rated a biography of Lawrence as I've ever read, though there's no way to sugar-coat the horrors of warfare, and the book doesn't try to. That may be the objection, but I disagree with it. This is a good introduction both to Lawrence and to the Arab Revolt, and will give interested kids (or adults) a basis for looking at events in the Middle East today.
April 22, 2016
Fascinating, quick biography, along with history in the "near East" during World War 1.
April 20, 2020
What an interesting man T. E. Lawrence was! And Alastair MacLean did his story justice. I flew through this book written for middle schoolers. MacLean didn't dumb it down for his audience. A good explainer is a rare gem. Lawrence's life was a bit complicated but now I understand his brilliance. Not everyone gets to be a major factor in a country's independence.
February 20, 2017
3 1/2 stars: Lawrence of Arabia reminds me of my husband.
April 10, 2018
Happy Birthday Omar Sharif #86
June 28, 2022
Probably closer to two-and-one-half stars.
August 17, 2021
Excellent! Always persevere!
February 21, 2022
Of the biographies of Lawrence of Arabia, MacLean's, written in 1962 at the time of the film, must, I suppose, be seen as an attempt to capitalize on that frenzy. MacLean is better known today for his adventure novels, such as The Guns of Navarone and Where Eagles Dare.
I knew little of T. E. Lawrence's life. I've seen the film, but remember very little from it. Largely because of my admiration of what filmmaker David Lean did with Dr. Zhivago, I thought I'd watch his other epic, Lawrence of Arabia a little more closely. And I felt that I should familiarize myself with his story beforehand, thus the book selection.
T. E. Lawrence was born in Wales and then grew up in Oxford. He was a very good student, but took more pleasure in going on expeditions by himself on foot or by bicycle, for some reason taking pride in depriving himself of food and sleep during his journeys. He developed a deep interest in the Crusades and the castles thereof, and went to Syria to write his thesis about them. While he was there he lived among poor Arabs and got to know their customs, language and culture. When World War I started, he became an intelligence officer, and his knowledge of and ability to relate with Arab people became a huge asset to the British Army there in its war against the Turks.
As his understanding of the Arab peoples and particularly his ability to relate to and influence their military leaders grew, he rose in importance and rank, eventually becoming a colonel. The book outlines his exploits in the campaign, which were a combination of military tactical smarts, leadership and incredible bravery in brutally dangerous conditions - terrible weather, limited supplies and usually facing an enemy of superior numbers. Most of his battles were carried out by his small band of about 600 Arab soldiers. As the war wound down, his greatest concern was to make sure that Arab lands would come under Arab control.
I'm sure there are biographies that spend more time on Lawrence's early and later life, and go into much more detail about his military career, but this is a good starting place.
I knew little of T. E. Lawrence's life. I've seen the film, but remember very little from it. Largely because of my admiration of what filmmaker David Lean did with Dr. Zhivago, I thought I'd watch his other epic, Lawrence of Arabia a little more closely. And I felt that I should familiarize myself with his story beforehand, thus the book selection.
T. E. Lawrence was born in Wales and then grew up in Oxford. He was a very good student, but took more pleasure in going on expeditions by himself on foot or by bicycle, for some reason taking pride in depriving himself of food and sleep during his journeys. He developed a deep interest in the Crusades and the castles thereof, and went to Syria to write his thesis about them. While he was there he lived among poor Arabs and got to know their customs, language and culture. When World War I started, he became an intelligence officer, and his knowledge of and ability to relate with Arab people became a huge asset to the British Army there in its war against the Turks.
As his understanding of the Arab peoples and particularly his ability to relate to and influence their military leaders grew, he rose in importance and rank, eventually becoming a colonel. The book outlines his exploits in the campaign, which were a combination of military tactical smarts, leadership and incredible bravery in brutally dangerous conditions - terrible weather, limited supplies and usually facing an enemy of superior numbers. Most of his battles were carried out by his small band of about 600 Arab soldiers. As the war wound down, his greatest concern was to make sure that Arab lands would come under Arab control.
I'm sure there are biographies that spend more time on Lawrence's early and later life, and go into much more detail about his military career, but this is a good starting place.
May 25, 2015
Blue notes over Azraq*
"In the evening when we had shut-to the gate, all guests would assemble … and coffee and stories would go round until the last meal, and after it, till sleep came. On stormy nights, we brought in brushwood and dung and lit a great fire in the middle of the floor. About it would be drawn the carpets and saddle-sheepskins, and in its light we would tell over our own battles, or hear the visitors’ traditions. The leaping flames chased our smoke-ruffled shadows strangely about the rough stone wall behind us, distorting them over the hollows and projections of its broken face."
T.E. Lawrence: Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Traveling through Jordan it is impossible to avoid 'the great' T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia).
I met him personally in Azraq where Qasr Azraq, a fortress dating from Roman times is also known as 'Lawrence Castle'.
"The Bedouins and their injured leader made their way slowly and wearily back to Azrak (Azraq), which Lawrence had chosen for his winter headquarters."
(Alistair MacLean – Lawrence of Arabia)
On my warm dusty biking trip through this part of North-East Jordan I could not imagine why Lawrence chose this spot. But staying at the Azraq Lodge I learned that until the last century this was one large green oases. And that is exactly the way Lawrence describes it:
"We hurried up the stony ridge in high excitement, talking of the wars and songs and passions of the early shepherd kings, with names like music, who had loved this place; and of the Roman legionaries who languished here as garrison in yet earlier times. Then the blue fort on its rock above the rustling palms, with the fresh meadows and shining springs of water, broke on our sight."
T.E. Lawrence: Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Alistair MacLean, makes a fine story about this larger than life hero, perhaps based equally on fact as on legend. But perhaps today, certainly after the Hollywood movie 'Lawrence of Arabia' by David Lean, the real Lawrence has long disappeared in the mist of history.
The only thing left to do now is go for the real thing, in this case reading 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' by T.E. Lawrence. True or falls from the few pages I have read so far a beautifully written account of his years in Arabia. Looking forward to it.
* In jazz and blues, a blue note (also "worried" note) is a note that—for expressive purposes—is sung or played at a slightly different pitch than standard.
"In the evening when we had shut-to the gate, all guests would assemble … and coffee and stories would go round until the last meal, and after it, till sleep came. On stormy nights, we brought in brushwood and dung and lit a great fire in the middle of the floor. About it would be drawn the carpets and saddle-sheepskins, and in its light we would tell over our own battles, or hear the visitors’ traditions. The leaping flames chased our smoke-ruffled shadows strangely about the rough stone wall behind us, distorting them over the hollows and projections of its broken face."
T.E. Lawrence: Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Traveling through Jordan it is impossible to avoid 'the great' T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia).
I met him personally in Azraq where Qasr Azraq, a fortress dating from Roman times is also known as 'Lawrence Castle'.
"The Bedouins and their injured leader made their way slowly and wearily back to Azrak (Azraq), which Lawrence had chosen for his winter headquarters."
(Alistair MacLean – Lawrence of Arabia)
On my warm dusty biking trip through this part of North-East Jordan I could not imagine why Lawrence chose this spot. But staying at the Azraq Lodge I learned that until the last century this was one large green oases. And that is exactly the way Lawrence describes it:
"We hurried up the stony ridge in high excitement, talking of the wars and songs and passions of the early shepherd kings, with names like music, who had loved this place; and of the Roman legionaries who languished here as garrison in yet earlier times. Then the blue fort on its rock above the rustling palms, with the fresh meadows and shining springs of water, broke on our sight."
T.E. Lawrence: Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Alistair MacLean, makes a fine story about this larger than life hero, perhaps based equally on fact as on legend. But perhaps today, certainly after the Hollywood movie 'Lawrence of Arabia' by David Lean, the real Lawrence has long disappeared in the mist of history.
The only thing left to do now is go for the real thing, in this case reading 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' by T.E. Lawrence. True or falls from the few pages I have read so far a beautifully written account of his years in Arabia. Looking forward to it.
* In jazz and blues, a blue note (also "worried" note) is a note that—for expressive purposes—is sung or played at a slightly different pitch than standard.
January 29, 2012
I had no idea who this man was and the history of the middle east when I picked up this book. I read it because I read quite a few Alistair MacLean novels as a teenager and really like him as an author. I found this book on the exchange shelf at a beach rental property and picked it up to read while basking on the Outer Banks of NC. Wow, what a guy, this Lawrence of Arabia! This account unintentionally helps explain some of the issues in the middle east, how many of these countries came to be and who became the rulers. Lawrence was a truly impressive leader who gained the trust of the tribal people of Arabia during the first World War. This is a fast read with not a lot of time spent on character development.
February 18, 2013
NF
939 pgs
Thomas Edward (Chapman) Lawrence - the leader of the Arab revolt against the Turks
I finally finished Lawrence of Arabia! What an extrodinary life! One of 5 brothers whose life gets entangled with WWI. He began his career as an archeologist in Syria, but he changed with the changing events of the world. He was a liguist, a spy,a military leader, a lover of books and classical music, a writer, a mechanic,a photographer, a genius and a private man. he wanted to be remembered as a man of letters rather then a man of action.
939 pgs
Thomas Edward (Chapman) Lawrence - the leader of the Arab revolt against the Turks
I finally finished Lawrence of Arabia! What an extrodinary life! One of 5 brothers whose life gets entangled with WWI. He began his career as an archeologist in Syria, but he changed with the changing events of the world. He was a liguist, a spy,a military leader, a lover of books and classical music, a writer, a mechanic,a photographer, a genius and a private man. he wanted to be remembered as a man of letters rather then a man of action.
February 10, 2012
This book taught me a lot about T.E Lawrence and what he did during the Arabian campaign of World War 1. Without him we might of not won World War 1. And the Arabs we till be suppressed underneath the Turks. So lawrence is pretty important in history. And i learned a bunch of stuff about him. So this is a really good book and i recommend it to any one learning about World War 1.
July 17, 2012
Biography of British WWI hero who fought against Turkey and Germany for Arabian independence. He was a tough Brit who got on well with Arabs at a time when Britian, France, India, and Turkey were colonizing. Eventually he saw France hold Syria, the UK hold Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but Iraq became the Arab's country.
September 16, 2013
The book was a quick read and gave me a much better understanding of the middle east -- how the Arabs overthrew the Turks and gained their independence. It also gave me a better understanding of who Lawrence of Arabia was -- he wasn't just a movie character, he was an Englishman, a real person who played a key role in the history of the current middle east.
June 22, 2017
This is a lot easier to read than I expected. This edition is a Landmark history series book, intended for young adult or middle school audiences, I think. I really learned a lot from it. I had seen the movie, but the book, even as basic as this version of the story is, filled in a lot of detail. It was in a very readable style and I will encourage my children to read it, too.
January 12, 2011
I really liked this book. It was a short summary compared to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom - which I intend to read eventually. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to go a little further than what the movie showed.
February 23, 2011
My son just finished this one and he loved it! I'm reading it now and I can tell already it's a great history of the man. Perfect for kids and any adult who would like to start on the subject slowly.
March 19, 2011
Read this on the flight home from Denver last week. I wanted a quick overview of this man's accomplishments (knew relatively nothing about him). Having read this brief biography, I now have placed on my mental "to read" list his book "Seven Pillars of Wisdom".
April 16, 2012
Like most of us, I had seen the movie Lawrence of Arabia. I had not, however, read very much about T. E. Lawrence until I decided to read Alistair MacLean's biography. As always, Mr. MacLean penned an outstanding, yet concise, portrayal of the man and his exploits.
November 19, 2019
If you are looking for a simple, easy to read introduction about the life of Lawrence of
Arabia this book by Alistair MacLean would be a good one. It gives you a good idea of
the exploits and battles Lawrence fought during World War I.
Arabia this book by Alistair MacLean would be a good one. It gives you a good idea of
the exploits and battles Lawrence fought during World War I.
May 21, 2011
Pretty amazing man and stories from WWI
October 26, 2010
A nice, albeit elementary, summary of the exploiters of Lawrence of Arabia.
July 25, 2011
hmm, i have my doubts about the validity.
December 10, 2012
Excellent short biography of Lawrence of Arabia.
January 24, 2014
Careful you may like this epic. I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews