The Waters of Babylon investigates the complex life and choices of T.E. Lawrence following his celebrated Arabian campaigns. The narrative traces his journey from a troubled youth through his early Middle Eastern adventures, his time in India, and his final years at Clouds Hill. Stevens populates this biographical portrait with significant figures of the twentieth century, aiming to capture the essence of a man who relinquished fame for the pursuit of his ideals.

The book is presented as a comprehensive biographical account of T.E. Lawrence's post-Arabian fame period. It aims to provide a nuanced portrait by exploring his formative years and subsequent life choices, including his interactions with prominent contemporaries. The narrative structure suggests a focus on the personal ideals that guided Lawrence's decision to step away from public life. The book's approach indicates an effort to understand the motivations behind a figure who famously sought a different path after achieving widespread recognition.