Lawrence of Arabia: The Authorized Biography of T.E. Lawrence Hardcover – January 1, 1989

This is an exhaustive, not exhausting, biography written in a distinctly academic manner which should satisfy those who wish to experience the world of T E Lawrence. I say the world because this account gives an extensive account of the world, historical, and cultural events which shaped the life and actions of Lawrence. You will probably get a better idea of the political machinations affecting the middle east and the post WW 1 era and the dying British empire in a few chapters than anywhere else.What the book does best is to refute the many myths, legends, calumnies and misconceptions about Lawrence without resorting to the lurid, baited breath tell-all style that plagues so many of his biographies. On the other side is the problem of knowing and understanding Lawrence. This book does about as much as can be done and it does it well. However Lawrence is so complex and secretive a character that the reader can never say that he feels he knows him. Unless new primary source information becomes available there is little more than can be said as he stands in clouds of fact and myth. The book is as fascinating as the man, tortured psyche, soul and all.

Great detailed volume that features so much info. on TE Lawrence’s entire life -esp younger years & family

It is pretty heavy reading, but if you are fascinated by the man- then get the book and enjoy.From the looks of the book ratings, Michael Korda's book is also a consideration. I have not read that yet.This book proved to be very intriguing as far as the man and the times he lived in.If you have the patience to move through a large book because the subject matter interests you -this is the book to get on this legendary man. It is a bio- but it is also a lot of history as well.

Good book and a well researched text. The price was not to be believed and if you are interested in the War in the East and TE Lawrence - this is a must have

I received this book earlier than promised and was so engrossed with the life of Lawrence, I read the book within Two weeks. The Wonderful biography that tells the real story of "Lawrence of Arabia". Great work done by Jeremy Wilson that does justice to the exploits of Thomas E. Lawrence. I am fortunate to have viewed the movie and now read the book about this great man in history. Bravo! This book should be added to the personal library of all who reads true adventures of great persons of the past.

This is just an excellent and well written biography. It's meticulously researched and annotated.I've read all the old and new biographies and I think this is the best.

Delivered promptly and a great read.

Nothing new here. It begins by trashing David Lean's spectacular film, overlooks Lawrence's sexual orientation, downplays his successes, and makes him appear irrelevant, especially in terms of the film which is the reason why so many are reading books on Lawrence. Let's face it.The author fails chiefly in not relating the mystery of this man; he tries rather to reduce him to common denominators, get a hold of him, as it were, and it's irritaing and a bore. He cannot deal with charisma,with violence as a sexual aphrodisiac, repression of desire that sends Lawrence spinning out of control, or does it? Only David Lean captures it. The rest is all footnotes."Do you think you are dealing with just any man, Ali?" (from the film)No, we are not deling with just any man. Lawrence is a high vibartion person in extremis; you cannot pin him down with quotidion analyses and historical critieria. This is why we must go to the film and to Peter O'Toole's magnificent portral for the man who was Lawrence of Arabia.