Lawrence of Arabia: The Man and the Myth

Early Life and Career

T.E. Lawrence was born in Tremadog, Wales, on August 16, 1888. His father was an Anglo-Irish baronet, and his mother was a Scottish governess. Lawrence had a difficult childhood, and he was often bullied by his peers. He found solace in books and developed a passion for history and archaeology.

Lawrence of Arabia's War: The Arabs, the British and the Remaking of the Middle East in WWI

by Neil Faulkner

4.6 out of 5

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In 1907, Lawrence enrolled at Jesus College, Oxford, where he studied history. He graduated with honors in 1910 and began working as an archaeologist in the Middle East. In 1914, World War I broke out, and Lawrence volunteered to serve in the British Army.

World War I and the Arab Revolt

Lawrence was initially assigned to the British Intelligence Service in Cairo, Egypt. In 1916, he was sent to Arabia to support the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The Arabs were led by Emir Faisal, and Lawrence quickly became a trusted advisor. He helped to organize the Arab forces and train them in guerrilla warfare.

Lawrence played a key role in the Arab victory at the Battle of Aqaba in 1917. He also helped to secure the British capture of Jerusalem in 1918. After the war, Lawrence was hailed as a hero in both Britain and the Arab world.

Post-War Career

After the war, Lawrence returned to Britain and wrote his memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to cement Lawrence's reputation as a war hero and adventurer.

Lawrence also continued to work as an archaeologist and writer. He published several books on the Middle East, and he also helped to establish the Arab Legion, the army of the newly independent Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Death and Legacy

Lawrence died in a motorcycle accident in Dorset, England, on May 19, 1935. He was 46 years old. His death was a shock to the world, and he was mourned by both his British and Arab friends.

Lawrence of Arabia is remembered as one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. He was a brilliant soldier, archaeologist, and writer. He played a key role in the Arab Revolt and helped to shape the modern Middle East.

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Further Reading

• T.E. Lawrence - Encyclopedia Britannica
• Lawrence of Arabia - PBS
• Lawrence of Arabia: The Man Behind the Myth - Smithsonian Magazine

Lawrence of Arabia's War: The Arabs, the British and the Remaking of the Middle East in WWI

by Neil Faulkner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9920 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	573 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE