Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- by
T.E. Lawrence
This CD-ROM includes
a reproduction of this publication which was first published in 1926.
536 pages with illustrations and maps
The
monumental work that assured T.E. Lawrence's place in history as "Lawrence of
Arabia." Not only a consummate military history, but also a colorful epic and
a lyrical exploration of the mind of a great man who helped shape the Middle
East as it exists today.
The classic work by T.E.
Lawrence on the Arab Revolt during the First World War in the Middle East.
"This book offers a classic understanding of the differences between feudal
tribes and the need to harness their strengths to bring them around. The book
is still relevant to our times in the Middle East and Iraq in particular.
Lawrence articulated the complex, and often overlapping, religious and tribal
loyalties and motivations which can make Arab society seem exasperatingly
fractious to an outsider. It is a unique account of the strengths and
weaknesses of the Arab people, which can only enrich the reader. You cannot be
heavy-handed with these people, they are proud. Lawrence understood this and
was very aware of Arab sensitivities. A fascinating account of the campaign in
the desert which still has implications for today.
T.E. Lawrence was an enigma
of a man, who sadly died from an accident whilst riding his Brough Superior
motorcycle. immortalised in the movie "Lawrence of Arabia" this books
describes his actual experience in the Middle East during the First World War.
It is a classic piece of military history as well as a remarkable piece of
literature.
LIST OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION. Foundations of Revolt
BOOK ONE. The Discovery of Feisal
BOOK TWO. Opening the Arab Offensive
BOOK THREE. A Railway Diversion
BOOK FOUR. Extending to Akaba
BOOK FIVE. Marking Time
BOOK SIX. The Raid upon the Bridges
BOOK SEVEN. The Dead Sea Campaign
BOOK EIGHT. The Ruin of High Hope
BOOK NINE. Balancing for a Last Effort
BOOK TEN. The House is Perfected
EPILOGUE
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
T.E. Lawrence narrates with passion and in his
peculiar style the years he spent in the Middle East, first as archeologist
before WWI then as “free agent” of the British government in its fight
against Turkey and Germany during WWI. Lawrence rightly perceived that
if the Arabs won the war against Turkey and its German ally, the
powerbrokers of that time would steal from the Arabs the fruit of their
victory. Promises of self-government afterwards would be dead paper. After
the end of the hostilities, Lawrence skillfully advised King Feisal and his
delegation to get as many of the spoils of war as possible from the victors
at the Conference of Paris. After the conference, the French could largely
be blamed for undermining the regime of King Feisal in Damascus and pushing
him to ultimately leave for Baghdad. The contemporary Middle East could have
been very different from what it is now. Despite Lawrence’s disclaimer
in his introduction, his “Seven Pillars of Wisdom A Triumph” offers valuable
lessons to a contemporary audience to better understand the enduring
complexity of the Middle East. Lawrence understood very well that
treating its inhabitants with respect and understanding earned him their
enduring trust. Lawrence’s narration provides a rare opportunity to gain
valuable insights into the minds of Arab nations. eg: “Semitic people had no
half tones in their register of vision. They knew only truth and untruth,
belief and unbelief, without our hesitating retinue of finer shades. Semitic
people never compromised; they pursued the logic of several incompatible
opinions to absurd ends, without perceiving the incongruity (pg. 38).”
“British forces won battle after battle in Iraq. There followed their rash
advance to Ctesiphon, where they met native Turkish troops whose full heart
was in the game, and were abruptly checked. They fell back, dazed; and the
long misery of Kut began (pg. 59).” “Till the end of the war, the British in
Mesopotamia remained substantially an alien force invading enemy territory,
with the local people passively neutral or sullenly against them (pg. 60 see
also pg. 636).”
|
 |
|
Winston Churchill thought this was
one of the greatest books ever written. Chairman Mao used it when
planning guerilla war strategy. This book has it all: history,
adventure, betrayal, epic splendor, exotic locale, and an
introspective hero/antihero at the center. One of the best
auto-biographies ever written. |
Available
in PDF for
Windows and Mac
Click on the Paypal buttons below to order this CDROM.
|
