Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph: The Complete 1922 Text Paperback – January 20, 2011

An Interesting, Relevant but Difficult Read

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Worfsdad

August 27, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Overall, I enjoyed the book, primarily the first-hand accounts of Lawrence's actions during WWI. It meandered quite a bit and was often confusing. The writing style is sometimes painful; it's not what I'd call an 'easy read.'

Having already seen the movie, it was interesting to see how Hollywood depicted some of Lawrence's allies. The story took place almost 100 years ago. I mention it because, even today, it provides several insights on the region which explain current middle eastern issues, from both sides.

At times, it is a rambling account of whatever seemed to be on his mind at the moment he wrote it. At other times, it was a very detailed oriented account of his actions helping lead the Arab Revolt. The problem is that it is very hard to follow the characters, who they are, their background. For example, if he wrote "I was surprised someone like Abdul would do this," you wondered exactly who Abdul was and what it was about his character, probably previously described, that made his actions a surprise. Also, in addition to having a list of major characters, I would buy an edition which has a MAP -- or you should have one ready. I found myself googling period maps to track his travels and his actions.

I'm thinking about purchasing the Lowell account to see if it is a bit more coherent in style and content since Lawrence's is a very compelling story, and I'd like to learn more..

13 people found this helpful

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J. Thorne

Do not buy this edition

October 4, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

The book is delightful. This Wilder Publications edition is terrible. I would reiterate the comments from these reviews: https://smile.amazon.com/Evolution-Revolt-T-Lawrence/dp/1495965481/ref=pd_rhf_se_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1495965481&pd_rd_r=4F0CBYC58Z75ZXRNWW9V&pd_rd_w=VpxAK&pd_rd_wg=wrfbt&psc=1&refRID=4F0CBYC58Z75ZXRNWW9V There are may serious errors in the text making it difficult to read. For example: Substituting "me" instead of "the" for every "the" for several pages; substituting "doth" for "cloth"; substituting "mends" for god-knows-what; missing punctuation; paragraph breaks mid-sentence. Try another publisher's version and avoid this one.

8 people found this helpful

"Lawrence of Arabia" The First Green Beret!?!

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Harold Y. Grooms

March 12, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Colonel T.E. Lawrence, aka, “Lawrence of Arabia,” narrates his adventures in organizing and fighting Arab guerilla force that battled the Turks in World War I. In so doing he met and overcame many obstacles that ultimately enabled his unit to effectively support General Allenby’s conventional attack that defeated both the Turks and their German allies. His is a little-known story that deserves to be told.
To accomplish his task Lawrence first had to assimilate himself into the tribal culture that was Arabia of 1916-1918. He learned to speak Arabic, rode a camel, wore Arab garb and ate Arab cuisine. By doing so he convinced the tribes to put away their centuries old feuds and unite to fight a common enemy, the Turks.
Next, he battled overwhelming obstacles such as the vast, inhospitable terrain that was Arabia where supplies such as weapons, food and that most precious of all commodities, water were scarce. Taking all these factors into consideration he made use of all of them and effectively used them to his advantage against the enemy. His campaign against Turkish supply lines serves as a textbook for unconventional warfare today!
The mission of U.S. Army Special Forces is to recruit and train indigenous forces and, on occasion conduct direct action missions. British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill organized his Commando units for that purpose in World War II. President John F. Kennedy did likewise in Vietnam. Conceivably Lawrence was the inspiration for them both. He could rightfully be called the first Commando and/or the first Green Beret!
The campaign in Middle East is a little-known chapter of the first world war. Seven Pillars shows how guerilla forces can greatly assist conventional units. Recent conflicts in the Middle East have spurred renewed interest this coordination that began over a century ago. His is a great read that has great historical significance and contains valuable lessons for today!

2 people found this helpful

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James Harrol Lewis

If you want to understand the ME, read Lawrence

Published 7 days ago

Amazon Customer

solid account of the important part of WWI

After decades of putting it off, I have now read this engaging, classic account. First, it is an account of Lawrence's role in the revolt of the Arab tribes against the Ottoman...Read more

howard

The inner/outer man

stuartb

a great book. should be on everyones reading list

The most inspired, brilliant, and relevant account of empire and warfare I have ever encountered.

Danae

This is the best audiobook I ever bought. This is the best account of war that I ever read. It’s also a sustained display of some of the most brilliantly written and passionate...Read more

csp

Read several books about Lawrence. Little difficult to plow through, but worth it as his words.

Big Guy