Lawrence of Arabia

by B.H. Liddell Hart

T. E. Shaw, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, was one of the most romantic, heroic, and enigmatic figures of his day. The subject of myth and hagiography, he was equally accomplished in several fields -- as archaeologist, diplomat, writer, and soldier -- and he worked throughout World War I and after in the Middle East in efforts to promote independent Arab states. His autobiography Seven Pillars of Wisdom is one of the greatest works of its kind. The esteemed military historian B. H. Liddell Hart wrote this study of Lawrence in order to pierce the clouds of legend. He discussed Lawrence's Oxford days, his experiences as an intelligence officer in Egypt, and in particular the tactics of guerrilla warfare he practiced so effectively against the large Turkish armies during World War I. Liddell Hart was one of the few to give Lawrence his full justice as both a man and a brilliant soldier. Long out-of-print, this book unravels the many puzzling features of Lawrence's story and restores him to his proper place as one of the twentieth century's heroic, but very human, figures.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Military History, War, Military Fiction, Middle East

458 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

British military authority Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart early advocated tank and air warfare.

Usually known as captain before his knighthood, this English soldier and historian led theorists.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._H._L...

Reviews

[Nick Pengelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read very many books on Lawrence, as well as everything by him, including his letters. Recent books, notably those by Scott Anderson and Anthony Sattin, have provided valuable new insights. This book,although written 80 years ago, is very special in its own right. Not only does it provide a very thorough review of Lawrence's campaigns - and by one of the most famous of war historians that is not to be sneezed at - but the author was clearly a very good friend of Lawrence. It is full of sentences that start, "As T.E. told me..." or "T.E. explained that ...". Such insights are to be treasured. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about the "real T.E."

[Christopher Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first "serious biography" of TEL. One must be interested in military tactics to enjoy this book. BLH analyzes Lawrence's tactical achievements in considerable detail, comparing him to theoreticians like Saxe and Foch and commanders like Napoleon and Marlborough. BLH certainly has authority to draw such comparisons, and his comments on Lawrence's asymmetrical casualty ratios and allocation are hard to refute. On the other hand, his near-uncritical acceptance of Lawrence's accounts and claims that Lawrence was a visionary philosopher amount to something like a hagiography.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un militar entrañable, aventura en cada viaje en el desierto, algunos capítulos extraordinarios en este libro esperan a ser abordados por el lector para viajar y respirar un aire sofocante y contaminar tu visión con arena y sol.

Este libro es una odisea en los desiertos y las geografías más letales para el ser humano, tendrás la oportunidad de conocer otro punto de vista de lo que sucedía en otro campo de batalla en la primera guerra mundial.

[Valerie]

I THINK this is the book I read, though not in this edition. If it is the one I read, it has a photo insert, and it may have been the basis of at least one movie.

I've tried reading TE Lawrence's own readings, and found him arrogant and misogynistic, as well as more than a little racist. But it's an interesting story, and reading it from the perspective of a skilled biographer (as I know Hart is) gives insight into a part of history that's too often underreported.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never saw the Lean film all the way through and decided it was time I learn a bit more about this guy, plus some history of the Middle East in that period. Found this book was in a library book sale. It did the trick and I think it gave a fairly rounded view of the man and the history of the time. Can't say it was a great read, but worthwhile.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book that needs be read.RJH

[Brian]

Very interesting as it was written during Lawrence's lifetime.

[Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compelling biography which I rated as average only due to practical considerations. Those primarily owe to its being written 85 years ago (as of 2021) and today it is a clunky read. There is a ton of extraneous information referencing military strategy and British history which often had me crawling from page to page. It would be wonderful for a modern redo which could trim 100 pages to reveal its beauty. Although it was fifteen years ago that I ventured to Wadi Rum and read Lawrence’s “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” and a different biography, I was still somewhat versed in this legacy. Hart’s work revealed dimensions I was completely unaware of: the author actually knew Lawrence and provides remarkable insight into the personal character of a remarkable human being. In addition, there was greater detail around Lawrence’s magnificent tactics after Aqaba…which I had also not been exposed to previously. A recommended read, even if it is painful at times!

[Eleftheria Chatzistamouli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more a military book, but explaining Lawrence strategy and tactics to concur Damascus, a guerilla war in the desert. The book also provides a fairer understanding of Lawrence's character. A troubled personality with an unbended will. Literature wise the book is poor an unfortunately does not provide extensive details about the set up, the enviroment or a deep description of the main characters of his life.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What he did was awesome overall, but there were some narcissistic tendencies that made me want to get a "golden'" bullet ;)