Thomas Edward Lawrence finds himself enmeshed in intrigue and open warfare in Arabia during the First World War. Adapting and embracing the culture of the Arabs, his story becomes one of both personal contemplation and stunning resourcefulness on the battlefield. The author looks back on his time spent as a British officer working with Arab forces in their fight against the German-allied Ottoman Turks. Planning and participating in numerous attacks as well as acts of often ingenious sabotage, Lawrence describes scenes of wartime action with gripping immediacy that clearly relays the savagery and confusion of combat. His engagement with Arab soldiers and championing of their cause endeared him to those he served with and afforded him the opportunity to write sharp character portrayals of several of his most notable comrades. In addition, there are rich asides on military strategy and guerrilla warfare, desert geography and history, as well as a consistent probing introspection as the author finds himself transformed by all he has experienced. Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a singular work that is at once a sweeping adventure story, a valuable primary historical source with modern relevance, and the deeply felt memoir of an extraordinary man. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom is both modern and readable.
