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Lawrence of Arabia

The definitive 21st-century biography of a 20th-century soldier, adventurer and leader

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Lawrence of Arabia

By: Ranulph Fiennes
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

Thomas Edward Lawrence first set foot on the hot sands of Arabia in 1909.

By 1918 there was a £20,000 price on his head.

His journey to this point has long been legend. From his first postings as archaeologist, liaison and map officer, to fighting alongside guerrilla forces during the Arab Revolt, journeying more than 300 miles through blistering heat to capture Aqaba, to his involvement in peace conferences that decided the future of the Middle East, Lawrence gave over his life fully to this land and its people. An unhappy outsider in childhood, in Arabia, Lawrence found a home. But as he grew in notoriety and proved his worth to his Arab comrades, his Turkish enemies set their sights on his capture . . .

A legend in his own lifetime, Lawrence's epic story has always been ripe for the retelling - but Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer. Leading Arab troops into battle on the Arabian peninsula in a war fought fifty years later, Fiennes too discovered the wonders of these far-flung lands and the people who live there, and is one of very few who can claim a true insight into the kind of life that Lawrence lived - bold and adventurous to the end.

With detailed access to records and an in-depth knowledge of the exploration routes and mindset of those who venture into the unknown, in Lawrence of Arabia, Fiennes brings us at last to a true and full account of this mysterious adventurer who captivated the world.

©2023 Ranulph Fiennes (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Historical Middle East Military Military & War World War I War Inspiring Ottoman Empire Imperialism Africa Iran
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Critic reviews

Corking, rip-roaring, crisply written, full of extraordinary characters. We follow Lawrence's band of camel-borne warriors as they gallop through 600 miles of blistering heat to capture Aqaba on the Red Sea, along the way blowing up railway lines and enemy troop trains. An immaculate retelling of this cracking story
An excellent guide to a colourful life for readers who enjoy tales of adventure in the desert sands
Praise for Ranulph Fiennes
Fiennes' own experiences certainly allow him to write vividly and with empathy of the hell that the men went through.
A valuable corrective to the trend of Scott debunking...One by one, and with the commendable attention to detail, Fiennes explodes the accumulated myths.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes has done Captain Scott's memory some service...he has certainly written a more dispassionate and balanced account than Huntford ever set out to do. (Simon Courtauld)
Full of awe-inspiring details of hardship, resolve and weather that defies belief, told by someone of unique authority. No one is more tailor-made to tell [this] story than Sir Ranulph Fiennes
All stars
Most relevant
The book states that T.E Lawrence met his end on a Triumph Motorcycle,
It is well documented that it was a Brough Superior SS100, apart from that error the book is very well researched and written.
Wonderfully read.

A Good Read

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fantastic talent. As a keen motorcyclist I was disheartened in the final chapter to have it recorded he was ridinging a Triumph motorcycle. As all will surely know it was a Brough Superior 100SS. A fitting mount for a great man.

T E Lawrence the enigma.

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T.E. Lawrence was the proud owner of seven Brough Superior motorcycles, including four SS100s. George Brough and Thomas Edward Lawrence were long-time friends and "motorcycle confreres." He named his motorcycles after his loyal friend George Brough – dubbing them George I to George VII!.
Sadly it was on Brough Superior that Lawrence died.
Having driven along the Saudi section of the Hijaz railway seeing the damage T.E. Lawrence caused all those years ago, your book framed the picture!

Great book Mr Fiennes one minor correction

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I liked his total honesty and love for the men that followed him in to battle

His loyalty to his fellow men.

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I did not know much about Laurence if Arabia before starting this book. I stopped listening after the first chapter or so as it just seemed to be about war and conquest. I started again after a few months and glad I did as the story of the man was far more complex and full of contradictions. Along with Ralph's reflections out made a very engaging book

An unexpectedly complex book

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