Author Description
This paperback edition of Malcolm Brown’s seminal selection contains 470 of the most insightful, revealing and historically relevant letters written by Lawrence between 1905 and 1935. His remarkable epistles to contemporaries such as Lady Astor, Noel Coward, Robert Graves, Mrs. Thomas Hardy, and Mrs. George Bernard Shaw disclose both the inner man and the political and military visionary often obscured behind the mystery and myth of "Lawrence of Arabia.” Among the letters is a wealth of intriguing correspondence that divulges the true nature of Lawrence’s role in the Arab Revolt, his anxieties about his illegitimacy, and his secret feelings on women and sexuality. In their entirety, these letters describe a remarkable but tragic life and provide ample proof of a gifted literary mind.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the private thoughts and public actions of T.E. Lawrence to reconcile the historical figure of 'Lawrence of Arabia' with the man behind the myth. Malcolm Brown, a noted historian and expert on Lawrence, curates and annotates these documents to provide a comprehensive look at Lawrence's intellectual and emotional development. By presenting primary source correspondence, the book argues that Lawrence's complex personality and political vision are best understood through his own written reflections rather than external narratives.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A curated selection of 470 letters written between 1905 and 1935.
- Correspondence with prominent cultural and political figures including Lady Astor, Noel Coward, and Robert Graves.
- Insights into Lawrence's involvement in the Arab Revolt and his personal struggles with identity.
Scope Limits
- The collection does not include every existing letter written by Lawrence, focusing instead on those deemed most historically relevant.
- The analysis is limited to the perspective provided by the correspondence and Brown's editorial commentary.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Historians and scholars frequently cite this volume as a foundational resource for understanding the private life of T.E. Lawrence. Readers often note that the prose is accessible yet dense with historical context, making it a standard reference for those interested in the complexities of the Arab Revolt and early 20th-century British figures.
Page Count:
597
Publication Date:
1991-01-24
ISBN-10:
0192827960
ISBN-13:
9780192827968
Biography
History
Correspondence
20th Century
Letters
Military History
Soldiers