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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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About this listen

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

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 story of T. E. Lawrence was well read and very addictive with exciting descriptions of his personality and adventures throughout Arabia.

Exhilarating and informative

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Lawrence achieved great success, only for the allied countries to divide the Middle East up between themselves instead of allowing the Arabs to self rule. This book explains the mess that is occurring in the Middle East as a result, despite Lawrence fighting alongside and for the Arabs, only to have it ignored. No wonder they are still fighting amongst themselves. If you want to understand the Middle East, this is the book to do it!!!

How much Lawrence achieved with the Arabs only to be pushed out by the allied countries. Now it’s all a mess!!!

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Excellent account of this hero’s life both informative and inspiring throughout. Highly recommended and a great listen

Inspirational and informative

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This has been the most compelling and inspirational account of a lifelong hero of mine, while elucidating on the complexities of our lives at the present time which are affected by the past.

Brilliant

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The author neatly blends his own experiences in Oman with those of TEL and in so doing, reveals perhaps sub consciously, his motives for writing this biography. He tells Lawrences story with sympathy, kindness and a profound understanding of the human conflict ridden landscape.
Having read a little of TEL and seen the movie umpteen times, I am at last, thanks to this telling, in much better understanding of everything to do with the man and his times, as he affected them and them he. I would recommend this biography to anyone interested in the subject, and as for the narrator, he is at his usual outstanding best; be it fiction or fact he is one of the best ever. Mick the Hick. 😊

Worlds better than the movie!

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