The Diary Kept by T. E. Lawrence While Travelling in Arabia During 1911 (Folios Archive Library) [Hardcover]

T. E. Lawrence (Author), Robin Bidwell (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Series: Folios Archive Library

"Up about 4.30. Left about an hour later for Nizib. Road took me up hills at first, and then across a pleasant stream full of springs. After that through olive-yards and vine yards and fields of liquorice, to Nizib in about an hour and a half. There I bought two half-pennyworth of bread and the same of grapes, and went to the roof of a khan to eat them. Left about 10 a.m. after drinking an iced sherbert of distilled rose leaves." After the British Museum wound up its excavations at Carchemish, T. E. Lawrence went walking in Northern Syria, exploring the castles which he was so fascinated by, and keeping both a diary and photographic records. Presented here with 13 key photographs and letters to his mother, the diary shows the young Lawrence developing a strong respect for the Arab people, and already involved in regional politics. In addition to his archaeological work, he was, most probably, keeping an eye on the progress of the German railway to Baghdad. This intimate and detailed diary gives a revealing perspective on Lawrence before his life was transformed into a myth.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Ithaca (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1873938241
• ISBN-13: 978-1873938249
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,635,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

T.E. Lawrence was born on 16th August 1888 in Tremadog in Wales. He was one of five illegitimate children born to the Seventh Baron of Westmeath. He studied at Jesus College, Oxford where he became interested in the Middle East. He worked for British Intelligence during the First World War and fought with the Arab forces to defeat the Turks. His exploits earned him the title of "Lawrence of Arabia" back in Britain.Her resigned in 1922 and sought anonymity in the RAF where he enlisted as John Hume Ross. He later changed his name by deed poll to T.E. Shaw. Shortly after retiring from the RAF, T.E. Lawrence died in a motorcycle accident on 19th May 1935.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best read after reading the full 1922 text of T.E. Lawrence, August 16, 2004

By 

R. ARANT "Toun" (Lanesville, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Diary Kept by T. E. Lawrence While Travelling in Arabia During 1911 (Folios Archive Library) (Hardcover)

The diary is wonderful, and Dr. Mack's "A Prince of Our Disorder, describes this year very well. I recommend that those who have not yet seen the full 1922 text edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom get their copy of that first from Castle Hill Press in the UK, sold on their website. As Dr. Mack notes, Lawrence once admitted that his writing was at times "written with the allusiveness that hints at knowledge refusing to betray itself between the lines." It took quite a man to impress Winston Churchill.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Background, August 24, 2008

By 

Peter Lovett - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Diary Kept by T. E. Lawrence While Travelling in Arabia During 1911 (Folios Archive Library) (Hardcover)

This is a book for people who want to know more about T.E. Lawrence than just the "Lawrence of Arabia" legend. It is not a book for people who only have a passing interest in the man.

It is a slim volume that relates to one of his pre-WW1 journeys to Syria looking at Crusader and Arab castles pursuant to his interest in archeology and especially fortresses constructed during the Middle Ages. The book would be improved with a map and a glossary. Lawrence uses a number of Arabic words in his text whithout the benefit of an explanation.

For people wanting a more detailed knowledge of Lawrence there are better books. This is for someone wanting an in-depth knowledge of the man.

9 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sweeping Epic, February 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Diary Kept by T. E. Lawrence While Travelling in Arabia During 1911 (Folios Archive Library) (Hardcover)

This book is a insight into the world at the dawn of the 20th century. This is a sweeping comprehensive factual account that should be in the collection fo any book reader.