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Lawrence of Arabia
Pre-order the authoritative, illuminating biography of T. E. Lawrence - the man who inspired the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia - from "The World's Greatest Living Explorer" Ranulph Fiennes.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2023
143 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Ranulph Fiennes
98 books287 followersSir 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 30, 2025
Finding Oneself
Thomas Edward Lawrence or more famously Lawrence of Arabia was a complicated character. He had may internal battles over his life, which most of us will never have to face, this combined with intelligence, foresight and being in the right place at the right meant that this Anglo-Irish archaeologist changed the course of history. Sir Ranulph Finnes has an invested interest in his subject matter and rights this book drawing parallels on his own experiences in the Middle East. Finnes states that this gives him an elevated ability to understand and write about his subject. I’m an inclined to agree. Finnes like Lawrence was a British army officer sent to lead Arab soldiers, both had to understand the culture and religion of those people, gain their respect and trust and fight a war in unforgiving territory.
As Finnes says, Lawrence lived in shame his whole life. His father, Thomas Chapman, an aristocrat had an affair with his governess Sarah Jenner, the result was five sons born out of wedlock. Coming from a religious home, Lawrence worked this out and the sin it entailed from an early age. Gaining a first class degree in archaeology from Oxford we went to Ottoman Syria to explore crusader castles and take part in excavations. It was here he stayed, or escaped, learning Arabic and local culture until war broke out in 1914. By 1918 he would be the most famous man in the Middle East and central to the allied war strategy to tie down the Ottoman Empire. Adding to this Lawrence was most likely a homosexual, who when captured by a Turkish Bey, was tortured and sexually assaulted, to which he was ashamed to be aroused by. He had close relationships with other men and confessed that he loved a companion Saliem Ahmed in his book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Whether he ever had sexual intercourse is unknown and less important. He was internally tortured by this like his illegitimacy.
The third important aspect to Lawrence was his determination to restore his family’s honour and the sense of failure he felt in the betrayal of the Arabs at the end of the war. When it became clear that is efforts to unite the tribes, gain their trust and live as one of them had ensured the revolt was successful, allowing General Allenby and the British to eventually capture Jerusalem and control almost all of Ottoman territory outside of Turkey itself would never give the Arabs what was promised, Lawrence turned down all honours and recognition. The betrayal is something he could never get over, however the politics and economic consequences became too great and swept him aside. George V understood as much and was not insulted by the rejection of a knighthood. Travelling with Faisal the son of Hassein bin Ali, the Emir of Mecca to the peace negotiations at Versailles to try and correct the Sykes-Picot agreement, which divided Iraq and Syria between spheres of influence between the British and French.
It was these internal conflicts, his family shame, sexual preferences and never truly belonging anywhere which ultimately built the man who would help free the Arabs. No one else could have done it. Lawrence was a man who had been a chameleon all of his life adjusting to fit in with the social group around him. This allowed him to gain the respect of his Arabic soldiers. Adapting their dress, learning their customs and speaking their language gained him huge respect. His British colleagues never understood this. Lawrence cared for his men and had to prove himself to them. In doing so he was able to unite them and lead them to victory. As Finnes explains these are all valuable lessons he took when he faced his own journey in Oman.
Ultimately Lawrence was an exceptional character, brave, intelligent and able to think differently about things. A true innovator and leader. In my opinion he should be an inspiration to everyone. He is though a flawed hero, who never felt like he belonged anywhere. After the war he could not settle, tortured by his failure to secure the promised lands to the Arabs and his sexual preferences. Often he would have young men to whip him for pleasure. He also joined the RAF as a private, leaving his army lieutenant-colonelcy behind. A love of motorbikes led him to an early grave in a tragic car crash in 1935 in Dorset, England. He wanted a plain grave, which reads only Psalm 27, ‘The Lord is My Light’. Overall a great concise book on the war hero, with added context from Finnes who understands his source material. Great piece of literature.
Thomas Edward Lawrence or more famously Lawrence of Arabia was a complicated character. He had may internal battles over his life, which most of us will never have to face, this combined with intelligence, foresight and being in the right place at the right meant that this Anglo-Irish archaeologist changed the course of history. Sir Ranulph Finnes has an invested interest in his subject matter and rights this book drawing parallels on his own experiences in the Middle East. Finnes states that this gives him an elevated ability to understand and write about his subject. I’m an inclined to agree. Finnes like Lawrence was a British army officer sent to lead Arab soldiers, both had to understand the culture and religion of those people, gain their respect and trust and fight a war in unforgiving territory.
As Finnes says, Lawrence lived in shame his whole life. His father, Thomas Chapman, an aristocrat had an affair with his governess Sarah Jenner, the result was five sons born out of wedlock. Coming from a religious home, Lawrence worked this out and the sin it entailed from an early age. Gaining a first class degree in archaeology from Oxford we went to Ottoman Syria to explore crusader castles and take part in excavations. It was here he stayed, or escaped, learning Arabic and local culture until war broke out in 1914. By 1918 he would be the most famous man in the Middle East and central to the allied war strategy to tie down the Ottoman Empire. Adding to this Lawrence was most likely a homosexual, who when captured by a Turkish Bey, was tortured and sexually assaulted, to which he was ashamed to be aroused by. He had close relationships with other men and confessed that he loved a companion Saliem Ahmed in his book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Whether he ever had sexual intercourse is unknown and less important. He was internally tortured by this like his illegitimacy.
The third important aspect to Lawrence was his determination to restore his family’s honour and the sense of failure he felt in the betrayal of the Arabs at the end of the war. When it became clear that is efforts to unite the tribes, gain their trust and live as one of them had ensured the revolt was successful, allowing General Allenby and the British to eventually capture Jerusalem and control almost all of Ottoman territory outside of Turkey itself would never give the Arabs what was promised, Lawrence turned down all honours and recognition. The betrayal is something he could never get over, however the politics and economic consequences became too great and swept him aside. George V understood as much and was not insulted by the rejection of a knighthood. Travelling with Faisal the son of Hassein bin Ali, the Emir of Mecca to the peace negotiations at Versailles to try and correct the Sykes-Picot agreement, which divided Iraq and Syria between spheres of influence between the British and French.
It was these internal conflicts, his family shame, sexual preferences and never truly belonging anywhere which ultimately built the man who would help free the Arabs. No one else could have done it. Lawrence was a man who had been a chameleon all of his life adjusting to fit in with the social group around him. This allowed him to gain the respect of his Arabic soldiers. Adapting their dress, learning their customs and speaking their language gained him huge respect. His British colleagues never understood this. Lawrence cared for his men and had to prove himself to them. In doing so he was able to unite them and lead them to victory. As Finnes explains these are all valuable lessons he took when he faced his own journey in Oman.
Ultimately Lawrence was an exceptional character, brave, intelligent and able to think differently about things. A true innovator and leader. In my opinion he should be an inspiration to everyone. He is though a flawed hero, who never felt like he belonged anywhere. After the war he could not settle, tortured by his failure to secure the promised lands to the Arabs and his sexual preferences. Often he would have young men to whip him for pleasure. He also joined the RAF as a private, leaving his army lieutenant-colonelcy behind. A love of motorbikes led him to an early grave in a tragic car crash in 1935 in Dorset, England. He wanted a plain grave, which reads only Psalm 27, ‘The Lord is My Light’. Overall a great concise book on the war hero, with added context from Finnes who understands his source material. Great piece of literature.
January 14, 2024
An interesting short biography of an enigmatic man, mostly on his role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks, near the end of WW1. Before the war, Lawrence was working at an archaeological dig near Aleppo, Syria. He became fascinated by Arabic culture, and fluent in that language. When the war began, he was recruited by an old tutor to work for British Intelligence in Cairo. Lawrence got the idea to use the Arab tribes as guerilla fighters against the Turks. He became a charismatic war leader, and a seriously strange man.
The bloody details of that war make for difficult reading. I was continually reminded of all the bad stuff going on right now, and wondered if I really wanted to read about the horrors of this conflict, more than a century ago. As with young soldiers at war from time immemorial, he saw and did awful things. He had to shoot an injured comrade to save him from an even worse fate, which haunted him for the rest of his life.
The Arabs hoped for, and had sort-of been promised, an independent country of their own, perhaps in Syria. But the British and French had different ideas, and carved up the former Ottoman territories to suit themselves after the war ended. Many of the continuing troubles in the Middle East date back to this land and resource grab by the Allies. Lawrence died young, at age 46, in a motorcycle accident back in England. He was a fast and careless rider, half-deliberately courting death.
Author Fienness was a young British officer in Oman in the late 1960s, fighting Marxist insurgents, and was inspired by Lawrence's guerilla tactics. He's done his homework, and relates some of his own wartime experiences, which don't add much to his biography. Though I can see why he took Lawrence for a model.
For me this was a strong 3-star read. I had never read the details of Lawrence's short life. A strange man, and a bitter, gory war.
The review that led me to read the book: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/book...
(Paywalled. As always, I'm happy to email a copy to non-subscribers.)
Good review, even though I liked the book less than the reviewer did.
The bloody details of that war make for difficult reading. I was continually reminded of all the bad stuff going on right now, and wondered if I really wanted to read about the horrors of this conflict, more than a century ago. As with young soldiers at war from time immemorial, he saw and did awful things. He had to shoot an injured comrade to save him from an even worse fate, which haunted him for the rest of his life.
The Arabs hoped for, and had sort-of been promised, an independent country of their own, perhaps in Syria. But the British and French had different ideas, and carved up the former Ottoman territories to suit themselves after the war ended. Many of the continuing troubles in the Middle East date back to this land and resource grab by the Allies. Lawrence died young, at age 46, in a motorcycle accident back in England. He was a fast and careless rider, half-deliberately courting death.
Author Fienness was a young British officer in Oman in the late 1960s, fighting Marxist insurgents, and was inspired by Lawrence's guerilla tactics. He's done his homework, and relates some of his own wartime experiences, which don't add much to his biography. Though I can see why he took Lawrence for a model.
For me this was a strong 3-star read. I had never read the details of Lawrence's short life. A strange man, and a bitter, gory war.
The review that led me to read the book: https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/book...
(Paywalled. As always, I'm happy to email a copy to non-subscribers.)
Good review, even though I liked the book less than the reviewer did.
October 27, 2024
A good overview. Despite being one of the better-known military men of our time, someone should still have whispered in Fiennes’ ear that perhaps the personal comparisons to Lawrence should have stayed in the prologue.
October 2, 2024
Like many i find Lawrence such an interesting person. He did so much in his short life. But i like that he was not just this perfect human. He had many flaws and he was mostly open about them.
Ranulph Fiennes did another great job combining his own experiences fighting a guerrilla war in Oman with those of Lawrence in Arabia. It was written really well and was an easy read.
I cant wait to see what Ranulph brings out next. His book on Shackleton was also really good.
Highly recommended
Ranulph Fiennes did another great job combining his own experiences fighting a guerrilla war in Oman with those of Lawrence in Arabia. It was written really well and was an easy read.
I cant wait to see what Ranulph brings out next. His book on Shackleton was also really good.
Highly recommended
January 23, 2024
#LawrenceOfArabia – Ranulph Fiennes
#MichaelJoseph
#PenguinRandomHouse (2023)
When asked what the full name of the man known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is, many will answer ‘Peter O’Toole’. More than a century after the events depicted in the classic film, few people are aware that Lawrence and his adventures in Arabia are historical facts.
Thomas Edward Lawrence was a British military map officer, fluent in Arabic, based in Cairo during World War 1. In November 1914, following the Ottoman Empire’s alliance with Germany, Austria and Hungary, Great Britain declared war on the Turks. The anti-Ottoman uprising, also known as the Arab revolt, was initiated in June 1916. The goal was to establish an independent Arab state reaching from Aleppo to Aden. It suited the British Government to support this venture, promising the recognition of such a state, as the securing of the vital shipping lane via the Suez Canal, was their main aim. Confucius’s saying of the enemy’s enemy being a friend comes to mind.
Due to a lack of unified leadership in the Arab Revolt young Captain Lawrence was seconded to Jedda where he was instructed to travel to Rabegh via steamer, to unify the Arab forces, provide them with weapons and training, march six hundred miles through the desert to conquer the port city of Aqaba (Akaba) before going for the jugular: capturing Damascus, the intended capital of the Arab state. Despite the odds stacked against him, Lawrence succeeded, and Damascus fell in October 1918. The triumph was short lived, thanks to the Sykes-Picot Agreement that left Lawrence despondent to the extent of him stating ‘I find myself wishing all the time that my own curtain would fall.’ (293) His wish was granted shortly thereafter. On 13 May 1935 he was involved in a serious accident when he swerved to avoid two hitting two boys whilst riding his beloved Triumph motorcycle. He died in hospital six days later. He was forty-six years old.
Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer. He has been hailed by the Guiness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ and has authored biographies on both Scott and Shackleton after following their Antarctic paths himself. In 1967 he successfully applied to be seconded to the army tasked with protecting the sultan of Oman during the Dhofar rebellion and was decorated for bravery, providing him with the ability to identify with his subject’s challenges and predicaments and enabling him to draw comparisons between their experiences, as he did with both Scott and Shackleton.
He does not merely provide the historical facts, he shares Lawrence’s innermost frustrations (‘During the six days’ trip I had to adjudicate in twelve cases of assault with weapons, four camel thefts, one marriage settlement, fourteen feuds, two evil eyes, and a bewitchment.’ – 150) and trauma, especially his turmoil following his capture, rape and torture in Deraa: ‘I gave away the only possession which we are all born into the world with – our bodily integrity. It’s an unforgiveable matter, an irrecoverable position.’ (286)
Fiennes brings Lawrence back to life in this insightful biography, and convincingly paints the tragic picture of a disillusioned hero who refused a knighthood and medals, only to die in loneliness and obscurity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
#MichaelJoseph
#PenguinRandomHouse (2023)
When asked what the full name of the man known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is, many will answer ‘Peter O’Toole’. More than a century after the events depicted in the classic film, few people are aware that Lawrence and his adventures in Arabia are historical facts.
Thomas Edward Lawrence was a British military map officer, fluent in Arabic, based in Cairo during World War 1. In November 1914, following the Ottoman Empire’s alliance with Germany, Austria and Hungary, Great Britain declared war on the Turks. The anti-Ottoman uprising, also known as the Arab revolt, was initiated in June 1916. The goal was to establish an independent Arab state reaching from Aleppo to Aden. It suited the British Government to support this venture, promising the recognition of such a state, as the securing of the vital shipping lane via the Suez Canal, was their main aim. Confucius’s saying of the enemy’s enemy being a friend comes to mind.
Due to a lack of unified leadership in the Arab Revolt young Captain Lawrence was seconded to Jedda where he was instructed to travel to Rabegh via steamer, to unify the Arab forces, provide them with weapons and training, march six hundred miles through the desert to conquer the port city of Aqaba (Akaba) before going for the jugular: capturing Damascus, the intended capital of the Arab state. Despite the odds stacked against him, Lawrence succeeded, and Damascus fell in October 1918. The triumph was short lived, thanks to the Sykes-Picot Agreement that left Lawrence despondent to the extent of him stating ‘I find myself wishing all the time that my own curtain would fall.’ (293) His wish was granted shortly thereafter. On 13 May 1935 he was involved in a serious accident when he swerved to avoid two hitting two boys whilst riding his beloved Triumph motorcycle. He died in hospital six days later. He was forty-six years old.
Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer. He has been hailed by the Guiness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ and has authored biographies on both Scott and Shackleton after following their Antarctic paths himself. In 1967 he successfully applied to be seconded to the army tasked with protecting the sultan of Oman during the Dhofar rebellion and was decorated for bravery, providing him with the ability to identify with his subject’s challenges and predicaments and enabling him to draw comparisons between their experiences, as he did with both Scott and Shackleton.
He does not merely provide the historical facts, he shares Lawrence’s innermost frustrations (‘During the six days’ trip I had to adjudicate in twelve cases of assault with weapons, four camel thefts, one marriage settlement, fourteen feuds, two evil eyes, and a bewitchment.’ – 150) and trauma, especially his turmoil following his capture, rape and torture in Deraa: ‘I gave away the only possession which we are all born into the world with – our bodily integrity. It’s an unforgiveable matter, an irrecoverable position.’ (286)
Fiennes brings Lawrence back to life in this insightful biography, and convincingly paints the tragic picture of a disillusioned hero who refused a knighthood and medals, only to die in loneliness and obscurity.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
March 9, 2024
Honestly, I tried to shrug it off… but in the end, I couldn’t get over the comparison Fiennes tries to make between himself and Lawrence. They were in completely different leagues. Lawrence co lately understood the Arabs, of all tribes, yet Fiennes could not only not speak Arabic… he failed a course before heading out to Oman.
This book is a disappointing show of T.E. Lawrence and sits merely as a primer to understand a complex person, in a complex situation, that has created a complex world.
This is a book to give a teenager who has never heard of Lawrence, or an adult that is not a fan of reading. I just couldn’t give it 3 stars. Sorry.
This book is a disappointing show of T.E. Lawrence and sits merely as a primer to understand a complex person, in a complex situation, that has created a complex world.
This is a book to give a teenager who has never heard of Lawrence, or an adult that is not a fan of reading. I just couldn’t give it 3 stars. Sorry.
April 28, 2024
Probably a 3.5 ... but choosing a 3 here.
I've never read about Lawrence of Arabia before, and seeing this book at the public library recently, I had a "I guess it's finally time I learned a bit more about this guy" moment. And thank you, incidentally, to public libraries - no way in a MILLION YEARS would I have paid the $53.95 Canadian listed on the inside front flap for a hardcover version of this book (or any book).
Having picked it up on such a whim, without having read any reviews of the book, I didn't realize until I began reading, what the "twist" was with this book - it isn't a straight telling of Lawrence's life. Ranulph Fiennes weaves episodes from his own life story, and experiences in these regions, in and amongst Lawrence's story.
And... it is incredibly off-putting. At least it is to me.
Not only did I not want to hear Fiennes' personal stories in the first place, but the Fiennes episodes interrupt the flow of the Lawrence story. And there isn't even any attempt, via formatting, to indicate to the reader that you're going from one person's story to the other.
The absolute worst example is this one on page 241 of the Penguin Michael Joseph hardcover edition
(and the "he" in the first line refers to Lawrence):
As such, he immediately flew to General Allenby's headquarters in Palestine, and informed him of the situation. Fresh from his victory, Allenby was in no mood to let the Turks off the hook. Two Bristol fighters were ready to head to Umtaiye the next day, along with a Handley Page bomber, and a DH9 carrying more fuel, spares and supplies. In Oman we were extremely fortunate to have air cover, with Provost fighters able to drop 250lb fragmentation bombs on enemy positions, followed later by Strikemaster jets firing rockets. Without such cover, we might have found it impossible to push back the adoo, who were so adept at hiding in the mountains.
In his cool, whitewashed office, Allenby briefed Lawrence on the next stage of his advance. He told him...
That's exactly how it is in the book... within that one paragraph... sentence following sentence... you go from the third person "he" about Lawrence, to essentially the first person "we" with the In Oman we were line about Fiennes and his companions. And then at the end of talking about himself, the very next line in the next paragraph is back to Lawrence again.
I really didn't like this choice.
Otherwise! :) The actual Lawrence material is very readable. The book primarily covers his WWI years, helping to lead the Arab fight against the Turks. I actually found the last few chapters the most interesting, with the end of the war and the problematic peace building process and Lawrence trying to salvage something for these people he had fought with, when the Allied Powers were well on their way to doing whatever they wanted with Arab land and not caring what the Arabs thought about it.
So I'm glad I read this book, and Fiennes told the Lawrence story well - but I'm still perplexed by this choice on behalf of the author and the original publishing house, to weave Fiennes' story into the Lawrence story.
I've never read about Lawrence of Arabia before, and seeing this book at the public library recently, I had a "I guess it's finally time I learned a bit more about this guy" moment. And thank you, incidentally, to public libraries - no way in a MILLION YEARS would I have paid the $53.95 Canadian listed on the inside front flap for a hardcover version of this book (or any book).
Having picked it up on such a whim, without having read any reviews of the book, I didn't realize until I began reading, what the "twist" was with this book - it isn't a straight telling of Lawrence's life. Ranulph Fiennes weaves episodes from his own life story, and experiences in these regions, in and amongst Lawrence's story.
And... it is incredibly off-putting. At least it is to me.
Not only did I not want to hear Fiennes' personal stories in the first place, but the Fiennes episodes interrupt the flow of the Lawrence story. And there isn't even any attempt, via formatting, to indicate to the reader that you're going from one person's story to the other.
The absolute worst example is this one on page 241 of the Penguin Michael Joseph hardcover edition
(and the "he" in the first line refers to Lawrence):
As such, he immediately flew to General Allenby's headquarters in Palestine, and informed him of the situation. Fresh from his victory, Allenby was in no mood to let the Turks off the hook. Two Bristol fighters were ready to head to Umtaiye the next day, along with a Handley Page bomber, and a DH9 carrying more fuel, spares and supplies. In Oman we were extremely fortunate to have air cover, with Provost fighters able to drop 250lb fragmentation bombs on enemy positions, followed later by Strikemaster jets firing rockets. Without such cover, we might have found it impossible to push back the adoo, who were so adept at hiding in the mountains.
In his cool, whitewashed office, Allenby briefed Lawrence on the next stage of his advance. He told him...
That's exactly how it is in the book... within that one paragraph... sentence following sentence... you go from the third person "he" about Lawrence, to essentially the first person "we" with the In Oman we were line about Fiennes and his companions. And then at the end of talking about himself, the very next line in the next paragraph is back to Lawrence again.
I really didn't like this choice.
Otherwise! :) The actual Lawrence material is very readable. The book primarily covers his WWI years, helping to lead the Arab fight against the Turks. I actually found the last few chapters the most interesting, with the end of the war and the problematic peace building process and Lawrence trying to salvage something for these people he had fought with, when the Allied Powers were well on their way to doing whatever they wanted with Arab land and not caring what the Arabs thought about it.
So I'm glad I read this book, and Fiennes told the Lawrence story well - but I'm still perplexed by this choice on behalf of the author and the original publishing house, to weave Fiennes' story into the Lawrence story.
June 30, 2025
I've had a copy of the nearly 1,200 page 'official' biography (1989) of T.E. Lawrence (authorized by his brother) written by Jeremy Wilson for a number of years on my bookshelf gathering considerable dust, not having been able to convince myself to make that commitment. So appears another biography (apparently there are over 300!), published 2024 by Ranulph Fiennes at the local library and it looked far more approachable so picked it up. Fiennes is quite a personality in his own right (though I had never heard of him) and shared random tidbits of his own service in the British Army in the so-called Dhofar War (which I had to look up having zero knowledge about it) in the early 1970s. As one reviewer mentioned this random stuff might have fit better in a prologue. It wasn't obnoxious or anything and actually provided some interesting parallels, Brit fighting alongside the native Arabs (Oman in this case) against the 'bad' guys (Marxist rebels in this case).
Anyway, back to Lawrence--this was an entirely readable account with quite enough personal stuff although not in tremendous depth, enough for most readers I imagine. I read 'Revolt in the Desert', the abridged account of 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom' (also sitting unread on my bookshelf) by Lawrence himself some years back so I was not unacquainted with the overall history and also of course in other WW1 histories. Still this is a fascinating account, reads quickly and contains a lot of cool photos but the single map is sub-par, ommitting key locations mentioned in the text such as Maan and As-Salt. Minor quibble to be sure. I might have to look at other Fiennes (yes, he is related to the actor) books for additonal reads, he has quite his own bio! 3.5 stars rounded up cause, well Lawrence!
Anyway, back to Lawrence--this was an entirely readable account with quite enough personal stuff although not in tremendous depth, enough for most readers I imagine. I read 'Revolt in the Desert', the abridged account of 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom' (also sitting unread on my bookshelf) by Lawrence himself some years back so I was not unacquainted with the overall history and also of course in other WW1 histories. Still this is a fascinating account, reads quickly and contains a lot of cool photos but the single map is sub-par, ommitting key locations mentioned in the text such as Maan and As-Salt. Minor quibble to be sure. I might have to look at other Fiennes (yes, he is related to the actor) books for additonal reads, he has quite his own bio! 3.5 stars rounded up cause, well Lawrence!
May 5, 2024
Having seen the spectacular movie by David Lean many times on the big screen, it was interesting to read more about the man behind the legend as told by explorer, Ranulph Fiennes. He intersperses his own experiences in Oman with those of Lawrence, who remains an enigmatic character in this compelling account of his adventures.
June 19, 2025
Fiennes tells the story of T.E. Lawerence from his humble beginnings in the UK through his incredibly ironic death forty years later, with the focus being on the officer’s accomplishments fighting the Ottomans.
The author has a clear admiration for Lawerence from the start, which I’m sure at some point guided how his story was told. Nevertheless, he is concise with his story telling and his personal interjections / experience are mostly a positive. At no point did I find him to ramble, but on several occasions I wished for further deliberation on an event (many times it just felt like the author wanted to skip to a train exploding).
This is a story I’m sure I’ll continue exploring in different mediums but this was a great place to start.
The author has a clear admiration for Lawerence from the start, which I’m sure at some point guided how his story was told. Nevertheless, he is concise with his story telling and his personal interjections / experience are mostly a positive. At no point did I find him to ramble, but on several occasions I wished for further deliberation on an event (many times it just felt like the author wanted to skip to a train exploding).
This is a story I’m sure I’ll continue exploring in different mediums but this was a great place to start.
June 7, 2025
Good read. Would have actually liked to have heard more about Fiennes in Oman! Laurence sounds like a truly remarkable man
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars
November 4, 2023
4.5 stars. A very good, concise biography of T. E. Lawrence, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, who excelled as a British liaison officer during the Arab uprising, 1916 - 1918.
This book mainly describes Lawrence’s time in Arabia during the 1916 to 1918 period. He was fluent in the Arabic language and it’s dialects. He was 5’ 5” tall. He commanded the respect of all who came into contact with him. A brave man who lead by example.
He gained a good understanding of the Arabs, becoming a very good leader for the Arab cause whilst being a representative of the British Government.
The author provides a very good description and analysis of who Lawrence was. A very eventful story about a most unique, interesting individual.
Highly recommended.
This book was first published in 2023.
This book mainly describes Lawrence’s time in Arabia during the 1916 to 1918 period. He was fluent in the Arabic language and it’s dialects. He was 5’ 5” tall. He commanded the respect of all who came into contact with him. A brave man who lead by example.
He gained a good understanding of the Arabs, becoming a very good leader for the Arab cause whilst being a representative of the British Government.
The author provides a very good description and analysis of who Lawrence was. A very eventful story about a most unique, interesting individual.
Highly recommended.
This book was first published in 2023.
January 17, 2025
I've never read anything about T.E. Lawrence before and so I assumed that was his autobiography written by one of his friends or advisors.
Boy was I wrong (in a good way).
The constantly recurring thought in my mind as I read about Lawrence's escapades was: "And this ACTUALLY happened?!" Not only that, but reading the author's own experiences in Oman during the Cold War was also interesting to read as a further commentary on asymmetrical warfare and the vast and complex history of the Arabic-speaking world. I know that there are hundreds of biographies and commentaries on T.E. Lawrence so I'm maybe not the right person to consult as to whether this book is a good starting point as to learning about the man but I'd still argue in its favour!
It is clear that the author has a lot of respect for Lawrence the individual as well as Lawrence the hero. He brings up his complexities, flaws, traumas and trials that shaped him and ultimately his legend. He uses plenty of different sources (including Lawrence's personal notes and correspondence) and provides context when needed, often by relating to his own experiences in a seamless way without interrupting the overall narrative.
Then of course if you are in anyway familiar with a certain Paul Atreides, you will find that his story was inspired by Lawrence and the Arab Rebellion so for Dune fans this is a must-read!
All in all, I'd consider this a really well-made book with lots of love and respect for its titular character and serves as a great starting point for anybody who wants to read about the complicated but legendary tale of Lawrence of Arabia! Can't to read the Seven Pillars of Wisdom now.
Boy was I wrong (in a good way).
The constantly recurring thought in my mind as I read about Lawrence's escapades was: "And this ACTUALLY happened?!" Not only that, but reading the author's own experiences in Oman during the Cold War was also interesting to read as a further commentary on asymmetrical warfare and the vast and complex history of the Arabic-speaking world. I know that there are hundreds of biographies and commentaries on T.E. Lawrence so I'm maybe not the right person to consult as to whether this book is a good starting point as to learning about the man but I'd still argue in its favour!
It is clear that the author has a lot of respect for Lawrence the individual as well as Lawrence the hero. He brings up his complexities, flaws, traumas and trials that shaped him and ultimately his legend. He uses plenty of different sources (including Lawrence's personal notes and correspondence) and provides context when needed, often by relating to his own experiences in a seamless way without interrupting the overall narrative.
Then of course if you are in anyway familiar with a certain Paul Atreides, you will find that his story was inspired by Lawrence and the Arab Rebellion so for Dune fans this is a must-read!
All in all, I'd consider this a really well-made book with lots of love and respect for its titular character and serves as a great starting point for anybody who wants to read about the complicated but legendary tale of Lawrence of Arabia! Can't to read the Seven Pillars of Wisdom now.
April 12, 2024
I'm probably one of the few in my generation who has never seen Lawrence of Arabia (the film). I did know some things about Lawrence, and I have visited Wadi Rum in Jordan where I learned more. Fiennes' book is ostensibly about the author's work with freedom fighters in Oman and his self-comparison to Lawrence. The comparison (thankfully) is not explored to any degree, since the comparison is far-fetched. The majority of the book focuses on the exploits of Lawrence. Fiennes discusses his assumed motives for Lawrence's behavior including his speculation into Lawrence's sexuality. The rebel activities are a bit confusing at times (for me) since I had trouble keeping the Arab names straight. Lawrence was troubled at the violence he witnessed (and to which he was a party) but that did not abate his deep hatred for the Ottomans and his quest to help the Arabs reach political autonomy. So the violence continued at a barbaric rate. As any student of history knows, the European powers' carving up of the Mideast was a disaster from the get-go and is at the root of most of today's troubles in that area. I did not realize that Lawrence played a hand in those decisions. Although we can't judge history through modern sensibilities, we can still see actions and decisions as misguided. The end of the Ottoman control of the Mideast was just the beginning of their troubles. This is a worthwhile read with good pacing and excellent research.
June 18, 2025
Ranulph Fiennes delivers a gripping and fast-paced account of one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Lawrence of Arabia reads like an action epic, capturing the daring raids, desert campaigns, and political intrigues that defined T.E. Lawrence’s leadership of the Arab Revolt. But what sets this biography apart is its honest portrayal of the personal cost. Lawrence’s time in the desert, the torture he endured, and the loss of close friends left deep scars—Fiennes doesn't shy away from exploring the psychological toll behind the legend.
Fiennes also draws insightful parallels to his own service in Oman fighting Communist insurgents. These comparisons never feel forced; rather, they offer a sincere lens into why Lawrence’s life—and especially his Seven Pillars of Wisdom—continues to resonate with soldiers and adventurers alike.
What stood out most to me was Lawrence’s cultural humility. He didn’t impose his worldview on the Bedouins; he learned from them, lived among them, and earned their trust. That rare empathy is the thread that ties his strategic brilliance to his moral depth.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a tale of guerrilla warfare, tragedy, and unrelenting charisma—all grounded in real history.
Fiennes also draws insightful parallels to his own service in Oman fighting Communist insurgents. These comparisons never feel forced; rather, they offer a sincere lens into why Lawrence’s life—and especially his Seven Pillars of Wisdom—continues to resonate with soldiers and adventurers alike.
What stood out most to me was Lawrence’s cultural humility. He didn’t impose his worldview on the Bedouins; he learned from them, lived among them, and earned their trust. That rare empathy is the thread that ties his strategic brilliance to his moral depth.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a tale of guerrilla warfare, tragedy, and unrelenting charisma—all grounded in real history.
October 15, 2024
*Audiobook*
Very enjoyable. I did not know much about T.E. Lawrence (I've never even seen the film), so all of this book was new to me. What I really engaged with, though, was Fiennes juxtaposing his experience in Oman and the Middle East as a young Army Officer. This really grabbed me and made me want to know more about both Lawrence and Fiennes.
I am sure there are more detailed biographies of Lawrence. In places, this biography seemed to race through key passages of Lawrence's life, but this certainly serves as a good primer on Lawrence's life and achievements.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, very much so.
Very enjoyable. I did not know much about T.E. Lawrence (I've never even seen the film), so all of this book was new to me. What I really engaged with, though, was Fiennes juxtaposing his experience in Oman and the Middle East as a young Army Officer. This really grabbed me and made me want to know more about both Lawrence and Fiennes.
I am sure there are more detailed biographies of Lawrence. In places, this biography seemed to race through key passages of Lawrence's life, but this certainly serves as a good primer on Lawrence's life and achievements.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, very much so.
March 13, 2024
A good introduction to T.E. Lawrence with plenty of photos. The author, famed explorer Ranulph Fiennes, interposes his own experiences in the Middle East.
January 12, 2025
Good short history of T.E Lawrence. Writing wasn’t completely enthralling but still enjoyed it
January 8, 2024
An easy read for those interested in the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia during WW1. A good overview account of a complex character struggling to find himself. I found Ranulph Fiennes analogies to his own experiences in Oman distracting from the main narrative, brief to the extent of insignificance within the context of the subject matter. The publication would have benefitted from better more detailed maps to accompany the text. Many of the places referenced in the book not appearing on the map. All in all an enjoyable read.
June 5, 2025
Fiennes research and own personal experiences make for a very interesting read.
Lawrence has to be one of the most remarkable and complicated men to ever live.
Lawrence has to be one of the most remarkable and complicated men to ever live.
October 26, 2023
Riveting!
I don't think I can say enough positive things about Sir Ranulph Fiennes' writing. It's clear, concise, witty, and the way the two stories, his own and Lawrence's, wind together had me enthralled from the first page to the last.
This is an entertaining and easy to read narrative biography that gives you an idea of the man without bogging down every page with dates and small facts and so on. If a fact and detail heavy book about Lawerence is what you're after then you'll want to look elsewhere, but if you want to feel like you're riding across the desert at his shoulder and like you're there, part of the story, then this is absolutely a must read.
I inherited a fascination with Lawrence from my mother and to this day we will both pause at any book about him, and this one had me buying it instantly and starting it the same afternoon. I found it a wonderful narrative that brought insight into Lawrence as a person, alive with images and emotions.
5 stars, absolutely a brilliant read.
I don't think I can say enough positive things about Sir Ranulph Fiennes' writing. It's clear, concise, witty, and the way the two stories, his own and Lawrence's, wind together had me enthralled from the first page to the last.
This is an entertaining and easy to read narrative biography that gives you an idea of the man without bogging down every page with dates and small facts and so on. If a fact and detail heavy book about Lawerence is what you're after then you'll want to look elsewhere, but if you want to feel like you're riding across the desert at his shoulder and like you're there, part of the story, then this is absolutely a must read.
I inherited a fascination with Lawrence from my mother and to this day we will both pause at any book about him, and this one had me buying it instantly and starting it the same afternoon. I found it a wonderful narrative that brought insight into Lawrence as a person, alive with images and emotions.
5 stars, absolutely a brilliant read.
December 28, 2023
I was familiar with general history of the the Arab revolt and the Sykes Picot agreement that carved up the Ottoman empire between Britain and France—but that didn't take away in the slightest from this portrait of Lawrence as a person. He is a truly extraordinary and deep character, battling his own demons while simultaneously uniting the Arab tribes against the Turks and helping to tip the momentum in the First World War towards the western powers. It's a remarkable story which reads like fiction and it would be hard to believe were it not so well documented.
Anyone who holds the view that individuals don't change the course of history should read this account. It's hard to see how anyone but Lawrence could have accomplished the deeds he did. Perhaps with the exception of his friend Winston Churchill it's also hard to imagine anyone whose early life better equipped them to take on the particular challenge history had in store for them. Lawrence is a legend for a reason and a hero even by modern standards. He's well worth your time.
Anyone who holds the view that individuals don't change the course of history should read this account. It's hard to see how anyone but Lawrence could have accomplished the deeds he did. Perhaps with the exception of his friend Winston Churchill it's also hard to imagine anyone whose early life better equipped them to take on the particular challenge history had in store for them. Lawrence is a legend for a reason and a hero even by modern standards. He's well worth your time.
January 8, 2024
In reviewing non-fiction books I find it useful to discriminate between the subject of the book, and the object, the book, that the author, the editors and publisher market to us. Here the book is on a fascinating personality, Lawrence of Arabia. The book itself, (authored by famed British explorer and adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes) is both derivative and self-indulgent.
There are many books about T. E. Lawrence. So when a new book comes onto the market a reader should expect something more than just a rehash of what has already been published. Even if there is no new evidence or illumination of the story, at least a novel perspective needs to be offered to the reader. Ranulpf Fiennes offers one in his introduction to this book, “And yet with the benefit of my experience in Oman, I believe I can offer a unique perspective on this fascinating life.” Earlier in the same introduction Fiennes had thought to mention “there are some interesting parallels between us”. So I was expecting something unique, something insightful into the First World war experiences of T. E. Lawrence. I was to be sadly disappointed.
For first hand experience of Lawrence’s ‘war in the desert’ the autobiographical accounts in either his monumental epic Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926), or if that at 584 pages seems a little daunting, then the abridged version, Revolt in the Desert (1927), (a leaner 326 pages) are where to go. These cover a brief period in Lawrence’s life, from when he was 27 through to 30 years old, from the beginning of the desert revolt in the Hejaz in May 1916 to the ‘hollow triumph’ of the Arabs capturing Damascus from the Ottoman Turks hours ahead of the British and French forces in September 1918.
So, with Fiennes’ (quoting from the published book blurbs) ‘detailed access to records’ and his ‘in-depth knowledge of the exploration routes and mindset of those who venture into the unknown’ are we given ‘at last’ a ‘true and full account of this mysterious adventurer’? I argue a firm no. Fiennes used a similar claim in his popular books on explorers Shackleton (2022) and Scott (2003). “No-one is better placed than Fiennes to understand what [Scott/Shackleton/Lawrence] may have experienced or to appreciate the enormity of his achievement.” As a reader I am somewhat embarrassed that a person as accomplished as Fiennes succumbs to such publishing hyperbole.
The records that Fiennes uses are all secondary sources, already published biographies, and tertiary accounts, books on the war and remaking of the region post both world wars. Although he does occasionally quote from Lawrence’s autobiographical writings and letters, none of these are ‘new’, they are quotes from already published biographies. Nor are they examined in any detail, contrary to his claims. In addition Fiennes cites English language references exclusively, missing the point that this sector of the war was of great French colonial importance as well as British. In addition the ‘Arab’ and ‘Islamic’ voice is entirely missing from this book. For a start if you read French accounts, Lawrence was seen as a sinister character in post-war France and still treated as anti-French in most biographies. There is nothing in Fiennes account that is not already published in recent biographies such as Jeremy Wilson’s 1990 authorised biography Lawrence of Arabia, or, for a French twist, Lawrence d’Arabie by Jacques Benoist-Méchin (3rd edition 2007).
Nothing, that is with two exceptions.
Firstly, here we are presented with gratuitous vignettes of Fiennes’ own time in Oman. There he was part of the British Army propping up the Sultan of Oman, Said bin Taimur, from his own people. Fighting, so that the Sultan and the British Government could continue to reap obscene oil revenues while impoverishing the Omani people. His self-gratifying reasons for continuing to be a British soldier in Oman are naïve. His reminiscences add no value to understanding the political dynamics of early twentieth century Middle East politics, nor to the desert warfare of the time. Fiennes’ comments do the opposite, illustrating his own military ineptness and political immaturity. For example, Fiennes finds no irony nor fascination that while he was propping up a despot, Lawrence was fighting for Arab (including the Hejaz, Syria, Lebanon and Mesopotamia) independence under the Emir of Mecca, Sharif Hussein, from all colonising attempts. While Lawrence fought for Arab independence, even while a serving British officer, numerous British factions fought for varying versions of Arab protectorates, including the Government of India who wanted British control of Mesopotamia (mostly modern day Iraq and Iran) as a granary source for India. In the post-war time Hussein’s oldest son Ali lost control of the Hejaz to the rival, and British supported, Ibn Saud family, thus creating modern Saudi Arabia, while Hussein’s other sons Abdullah and Feisal became kings of newly created Jordan and Iraq respectively, and modern Syria and Lebanon became a French mandate. Lawrence was passionate about this independence. Fiennes barely comments.
Secondly Fiennes adds his own fictional gloss to the story. This I can excuse as par for the course in film accounts such as David Lean’s 1962 epic biographical adventure drama film Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O’Toole as Lawrence. Fictional gloss is an expected component of an ‘adventure drama’ film. This really has no part in a biography that claims to be a ‘true and full account’. So, put aside this book by Fiennes.
If you want a biography on Lawrence, read Wilson. If you crave the tempo and drama of the war in the desert then Lawrence’s own words are still some of the best written in the English language.
There are many books about T. E. Lawrence. So when a new book comes onto the market a reader should expect something more than just a rehash of what has already been published. Even if there is no new evidence or illumination of the story, at least a novel perspective needs to be offered to the reader. Ranulpf Fiennes offers one in his introduction to this book, “And yet with the benefit of my experience in Oman, I believe I can offer a unique perspective on this fascinating life.” Earlier in the same introduction Fiennes had thought to mention “there are some interesting parallels between us”. So I was expecting something unique, something insightful into the First World war experiences of T. E. Lawrence. I was to be sadly disappointed.
For first hand experience of Lawrence’s ‘war in the desert’ the autobiographical accounts in either his monumental epic Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926), or if that at 584 pages seems a little daunting, then the abridged version, Revolt in the Desert (1927), (a leaner 326 pages) are where to go. These cover a brief period in Lawrence’s life, from when he was 27 through to 30 years old, from the beginning of the desert revolt in the Hejaz in May 1916 to the ‘hollow triumph’ of the Arabs capturing Damascus from the Ottoman Turks hours ahead of the British and French forces in September 1918.
So, with Fiennes’ (quoting from the published book blurbs) ‘detailed access to records’ and his ‘in-depth knowledge of the exploration routes and mindset of those who venture into the unknown’ are we given ‘at last’ a ‘true and full account of this mysterious adventurer’? I argue a firm no. Fiennes used a similar claim in his popular books on explorers Shackleton (2022) and Scott (2003). “No-one is better placed than Fiennes to understand what [Scott/Shackleton/Lawrence] may have experienced or to appreciate the enormity of his achievement.” As a reader I am somewhat embarrassed that a person as accomplished as Fiennes succumbs to such publishing hyperbole.
The records that Fiennes uses are all secondary sources, already published biographies, and tertiary accounts, books on the war and remaking of the region post both world wars. Although he does occasionally quote from Lawrence’s autobiographical writings and letters, none of these are ‘new’, they are quotes from already published biographies. Nor are they examined in any detail, contrary to his claims. In addition Fiennes cites English language references exclusively, missing the point that this sector of the war was of great French colonial importance as well as British. In addition the ‘Arab’ and ‘Islamic’ voice is entirely missing from this book. For a start if you read French accounts, Lawrence was seen as a sinister character in post-war France and still treated as anti-French in most biographies. There is nothing in Fiennes account that is not already published in recent biographies such as Jeremy Wilson’s 1990 authorised biography Lawrence of Arabia, or, for a French twist, Lawrence d’Arabie by Jacques Benoist-Méchin (3rd edition 2007).
Nothing, that is with two exceptions.
Firstly, here we are presented with gratuitous vignettes of Fiennes’ own time in Oman. There he was part of the British Army propping up the Sultan of Oman, Said bin Taimur, from his own people. Fighting, so that the Sultan and the British Government could continue to reap obscene oil revenues while impoverishing the Omani people. His self-gratifying reasons for continuing to be a British soldier in Oman are naïve. His reminiscences add no value to understanding the political dynamics of early twentieth century Middle East politics, nor to the desert warfare of the time. Fiennes’ comments do the opposite, illustrating his own military ineptness and political immaturity. For example, Fiennes finds no irony nor fascination that while he was propping up a despot, Lawrence was fighting for Arab (including the Hejaz, Syria, Lebanon and Mesopotamia) independence under the Emir of Mecca, Sharif Hussein, from all colonising attempts. While Lawrence fought for Arab independence, even while a serving British officer, numerous British factions fought for varying versions of Arab protectorates, including the Government of India who wanted British control of Mesopotamia (mostly modern day Iraq and Iran) as a granary source for India. In the post-war time Hussein’s oldest son Ali lost control of the Hejaz to the rival, and British supported, Ibn Saud family, thus creating modern Saudi Arabia, while Hussein’s other sons Abdullah and Feisal became kings of newly created Jordan and Iraq respectively, and modern Syria and Lebanon became a French mandate. Lawrence was passionate about this independence. Fiennes barely comments.
Secondly Fiennes adds his own fictional gloss to the story. This I can excuse as par for the course in film accounts such as David Lean’s 1962 epic biographical adventure drama film Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O’Toole as Lawrence. Fictional gloss is an expected component of an ‘adventure drama’ film. This really has no part in a biography that claims to be a ‘true and full account’. So, put aside this book by Fiennes.
If you want a biography on Lawrence, read Wilson. If you crave the tempo and drama of the war in the desert then Lawrence’s own words are still some of the best written in the English language.
March 29, 2024
Yes, yet another Lawrence of Arabia book added to my collection. This is the most recent, being published just this year (2024). The author Ranulph Fiennes is deemed to be a “famed explorer” who himself fought with and against Arabs for a year (1967) while in the Omani Army. Oil was discovered in Oman in 1963 making it a target for revolutionaries who were supported by the Soviets and Chinese. Fiennes like many of us was drawn to Lawrence’s story by the 1962 David Lean film. He also found this Lawrence fascination helped him during his military adventures. His book is subtitled, “My journey in search of T. E. Lawrence.
Fiennes book left me with a split review. His short biography of Lawrence only covers Lawrence as a leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks in WWI. I found the writing and the presentation splendidly done, although some will take issue with some of his conclusions; after all, this is Lawrence who remains somewhat an enigma through some 300 prior biographies.
But, and it is a rather serious “but”, is how Fiennes inserts his own Omani war story directly into the book’s Lawrence narrative. What? The publisher/editor did not own a different font for these personal memoir sections that appear in quite odd locations. And even with a font change I would have found these asides quite distracting.
Now who is this book for? I am not quite sure as there are numerous better Lawrence Biographies: books that do more to cover his whole life. Yet, I really enjoyed Fiennes book and think anyone interested in a short well written study of Lawrence’s leadership in the Arab Revolt will be entertained; and provided with an adventure story that will find them transfixed by the Lawrence legend.
Fiennes book left me with a split review. His short biography of Lawrence only covers Lawrence as a leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks in WWI. I found the writing and the presentation splendidly done, although some will take issue with some of his conclusions; after all, this is Lawrence who remains somewhat an enigma through some 300 prior biographies.
But, and it is a rather serious “but”, is how Fiennes inserts his own Omani war story directly into the book’s Lawrence narrative. What? The publisher/editor did not own a different font for these personal memoir sections that appear in quite odd locations. And even with a font change I would have found these asides quite distracting.
Now who is this book for? I am not quite sure as there are numerous better Lawrence Biographies: books that do more to cover his whole life. Yet, I really enjoyed Fiennes book and think anyone interested in a short well written study of Lawrence’s leadership in the Arab Revolt will be entertained; and provided with an adventure story that will find them transfixed by the Lawrence legend.
May 4, 2024
Phenomenal book! I think it is an important (and an enjoyable) book to read in today’s world.
1. The big picture where this Arab revolt sits in history was concise and helpful (eg the interaction with the western front in Europe during WWI, what does British / French / German want from this war in the Middle East). The self interests among the western powers in the Middle East during the WWI, the experience of Lawrence as a military officer, and finally the false promises made to the Arabs are highly relevant to understanding the conflicts in the Middle East in this very day.
2. Lawrence is a highly complex character - with the identity crisis of being illegitimate, his desire for self redemption from the war, his inner conflict of “what are we / they fighting for”, the trauma experienced in the war, the lies he tells to the two parties he was loyal to, his exceptional ability to inspire and mediate like no one among arabs / british military can do. His experience in the war was a captivating story, but I also appreciate the book trying to give a balanced view of the long lasting negative impact that his decisions might have brought to the region full of conflicts.
3. I really did not mind the author drawing parallel to his own experience in Oman. Some say it is self indulgent. Well yes, probably a bit - he might not have achieved as high of a merit as Lawrence. However, by drawing parallel to a more modern war, it is more apparent to know that those inner conflicts and challenges leading a war in the Middle East that Lawrence faced was commonplace and still relevant half a century after.
1. The big picture where this Arab revolt sits in history was concise and helpful (eg the interaction with the western front in Europe during WWI, what does British / French / German want from this war in the Middle East). The self interests among the western powers in the Middle East during the WWI, the experience of Lawrence as a military officer, and finally the false promises made to the Arabs are highly relevant to understanding the conflicts in the Middle East in this very day.
2. Lawrence is a highly complex character - with the identity crisis of being illegitimate, his desire for self redemption from the war, his inner conflict of “what are we / they fighting for”, the trauma experienced in the war, the lies he tells to the two parties he was loyal to, his exceptional ability to inspire and mediate like no one among arabs / british military can do. His experience in the war was a captivating story, but I also appreciate the book trying to give a balanced view of the long lasting negative impact that his decisions might have brought to the region full of conflicts.
3. I really did not mind the author drawing parallel to his own experience in Oman. Some say it is self indulgent. Well yes, probably a bit - he might not have achieved as high of a merit as Lawrence. However, by drawing parallel to a more modern war, it is more apparent to know that those inner conflicts and challenges leading a war in the Middle East that Lawrence faced was commonplace and still relevant half a century after.
February 2, 2025
Fiennes’ account of T.E. Lawrence is succinct, focused and gripping, though the interspersed stories of Fiennes’ military experiences in Oman often read like non sequiturs and add little to the overall book. He provides just the right level of detail and analysis for readers who are keen to learn about one of the great military leaders, strategists, and tacticians of all time. As the author shows, Lawrence exhibited incredible grit and determination to make his family proud by freeing the Arabs from Ottoman occupation. He succeeded because of his understanding of history, ability to integrate into the Arab culture, and craftiness and cleverness on the battlefield. The later trait was rooted in an appreciation for frustrating and paralyzing the enemy Turks to the point where defeating them was imminent. Surely, his interest in military history would have acquainted him with the Fabian strategy, which he effectively deployed in the desert, never seeking to take a larger Turkish army head on. Lawrence never reconciled his various demons and inner conflicts, including his sexuality. Instead, as Fiennes suggests, he seemingly used this process of personal reconciliation to do good by other people—Arabs, his British citizens and family alike. It is well that so many have encapsulated Lawrence’s noble and consequential life in books and movies. Fiennes contributes mightily to this endeavor.
February 12, 2025
Did I enjoy it, get pulled in by the desert's allure, learn something about pivotal events around the great war, and get immersed in the process? Yes!
I would be happy to recommend this book to whomever I think would be interested. Sir Ranulph Fiennes clearly did a lot of research. However, the book is not without its faults and hence 4 stars.
Sir Ranulph may be the greatest living adventurer of our time, but he is not Lawrence of Arabia - who he clearly wants to be. But like Lawrence, he cannot reach his goal, and if he did, he would no longer be like Lawrence. Nothing better than a little paradox for the road!
The thing is, he has been to more places in his life than 99.9% of us ever will be. He is a highly esteemed person whose list of his achievements seemingly never ends. Inserting himself into this story seems unnecessary: parallels with his service in Oman feel out of place almost every time they interrupt Lawrence's story. The writing is also between two worlds: the main events, in their gripping nature, read almost as fiction. On the other hand, the protruding documentary aspects cause an uneven tone: repetitive phrases, foreshadowing of events, didactic approach.
Regardless, this book did enough to inspire me to return to this world one day and read T.E. Lawrence's own autobiography (all of its 250000 words).
I would be happy to recommend this book to whomever I think would be interested. Sir Ranulph Fiennes clearly did a lot of research. However, the book is not without its faults and hence 4 stars.
Sir Ranulph may be the greatest living adventurer of our time, but he is not Lawrence of Arabia - who he clearly wants to be. But like Lawrence, he cannot reach his goal, and if he did, he would no longer be like Lawrence. Nothing better than a little paradox for the road!
The thing is, he has been to more places in his life than 99.9% of us ever will be. He is a highly esteemed person whose list of his achievements seemingly never ends. Inserting himself into this story seems unnecessary: parallels with his service in Oman feel out of place almost every time they interrupt Lawrence's story. The writing is also between two worlds: the main events, in their gripping nature, read almost as fiction. On the other hand, the protruding documentary aspects cause an uneven tone: repetitive phrases, foreshadowing of events, didactic approach.
Regardless, this book did enough to inspire me to return to this world one day and read T.E. Lawrence's own autobiography (all of its 250000 words).
October 22, 2025
i think there’s a couple of different ways in which you can view this book. from what i gather from online reading, this is seen as more of a companion piece to the story of lawrence of arabia than an all-in factual description of his life and accomplishments.
that does not by any means suggest this doesn’t offer great insights into lawrence’s complex character, i’m just referring to the fact that it focuses more on lawrence’s psychological issues and his inner personality than it does his wartime experiences (although that is in there and it is brilliant).
another factor that implies that this gives a differing insight into lawrence is that fiennes draws in his own experiences in comparison to lawrence. i personally found this interesting, although at times it does seem futile as i’m not sure anyone can be compared to lawrence, and some could view it as going off track and not solely focusing on lawrence, however there’s enough books that do that and i think fiennes’ contribution is valuable, being a great explorer himself.
overall this has inspired me to delve deeper into the life of lawrence of arabia. i’d be particularly interested in seven pillars of wisdom, lawrence’s personal memoir.
that does not by any means suggest this doesn’t offer great insights into lawrence’s complex character, i’m just referring to the fact that it focuses more on lawrence’s psychological issues and his inner personality than it does his wartime experiences (although that is in there and it is brilliant).
another factor that implies that this gives a differing insight into lawrence is that fiennes draws in his own experiences in comparison to lawrence. i personally found this interesting, although at times it does seem futile as i’m not sure anyone can be compared to lawrence, and some could view it as going off track and not solely focusing on lawrence, however there’s enough books that do that and i think fiennes’ contribution is valuable, being a great explorer himself.
overall this has inspired me to delve deeper into the life of lawrence of arabia. i’d be particularly interested in seven pillars of wisdom, lawrence’s personal memoir.
March 10, 2024
The author commanded a platoon of irregular Omanis back in the late 60's who fought against Marxist-backed rebels. Since their situations were similar, Fiennes felt a strong relationship to Lawrence and his experiences leading the Arab Revolt. In fact, Fiennes would look to Lawrence for inspiration and instruction in his assignment, some 50 years after Lawrence's.
Fiennes writes a straightforward, concise narrative biography, naturally focusing on Lawrence's experiences in the Middle East; spending very little time on Lawrence's formative years except to note that he was illegitimate and felt a deep sense of shame as a result. Throughout he draws parallels between his challenges and experiences and Lawrence's.
Not as good or insightful as Michael Korda's or Scott Anderson's books, but nevertheless worht the reader's while.
The single map is inadequate; for example, Jerusalem's location is not even noted. ,
Fiennes writes a straightforward, concise narrative biography, naturally focusing on Lawrence's experiences in the Middle East; spending very little time on Lawrence's formative years except to note that he was illegitimate and felt a deep sense of shame as a result. Throughout he draws parallels between his challenges and experiences and Lawrence's.
Not as good or insightful as Michael Korda's or Scott Anderson's books, but nevertheless worht the reader's while.
The single map is inadequate; for example, Jerusalem's location is not even noted. ,
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