Modern Classics Seven Pillars Of Wisdom [Paperback]

But it's one of those few books which has genuinely altered my perspective. I find I keep bringing it up in conversation. Whatever one may say about the veracity of the statements made -- I gather they are to some degree in doubt -- there is no doubt about the depth of Lawrence's character. He writes beautifully -- completely beautifully.

The book is a sort of odd combination of psychology, history and fabulous anecdotes -- many of the best of which did not appear in the movie, by the way...

Lawrence, of course, loved Arabia, and clearly had very profound reservations about what he did. He questioned the validity of involving himself in the future of the Arabs to the degree that he did. He clearly felt it might have future unforeseen consequences. And he spends a fair amount of time candidly exposing his own motivations and doubts.

The picture he presents of the Bedou is generous. Nevertheless, it's hard not to be left with some sense of amazement at the extent to which diplomacy was necessary and the skill with which Lawrence was able to pull it off. Auda after being insulted on one occasion has to be physically tied down for a half hour -- otherwise everyone felt sure he would have killed several people. Such people in most Western nations are locked up. But what we throw out in this culture, Lawrence regards as material that he uses to create a sort of work of art -- some of Lawrence's reservations about his actions were rooted in an awareness that it was to some degree a form of self expression. So Auda gets untied and put at the head of an army composed of men some of whom he would otherwise have shot on sight.

This is one of the greatest books I have read.

Portions of this book appear to drag on interminably, especially the march to Akaba. Also, Lawrence displays a weakness for philosophizing and self-criticism which at times threatens to destroy ones interest in the story. This is, however, balanced off by (1) his unique and exciting perspectives on the strategy and tactics of desert raiding, circa 1918, and (2) by the final 200 pages describing the Allies' ultimate defeat of the Turks in August-September 1918, which is riveting.

Whether The Seven Pillars of Wisdom can be studied with profit in our time is a difficult question to answer. It is tempting to think that the innumerable little lessons concerning guerrilla warfare in Arabia will be of enduring value to some people today. In particular, Lawrence's descriptions of the complex inter-relationships between military and political strategy at the tribal level are relevatory. Even those who care little about the war itself should find much to recommend this book, including a useful geographic and socio-political sketch of Arab history, repeated and lengthy accounts of various locals in the Arabian peninsula, descriptions of Arab tribal customs and relations of this period and, finally, insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the nomadic, Bedouin mind. Ultimately, it is this information may prove most interesting and valuable in the years ahead, especially to those seeking peace and security in Arabia and beyond.