LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

by Alistair MacLean ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 16, 1962

A timely (what with the play Ross and the forthcoming motion picture) addition to World Landmarks. A first rate story teller, Alistair MacLean has succeeded in sorting out the vital details of Lawrence's part in the Arab-Turkish revolt and molding them into a lively- if not fully rounded- biography. Lawrence's fascination with Arab culture almost destined him for his ultimate role. He was assigned to G.H.Q. in Cairo, but requested a transfer to the desert campaign, in which he won the friendship and confidence of Prince Feisal, leader of the Arab cause, and of Adula, fiery commander of the Bedouins. He organized the ragged segment of defeat at Medina into a successful guerrilla band, marauding on camel back, harassing Turkish troops, destroying supply trains and buttressing Allenby's forces. Lawrence's fantastic endurance combined with his brilliant military strategy, made him a legend among the Arabs. Lawrence of Arabia remains an enigma; MacLean's interpretation is at odds with Lawrence himself at some points. But this should lead to wider reading about this controversial and magnetic figure.

Pub Date: April 16, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House-World Landmark

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION