The reputation of T.E. Lawrence – “Lawrence of Arabia” – has grown to mythical and legendary proportions since his controversial death in 1935.  Numerous articles and books and an award-winning film about him have further obscured his life story, and it has become increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Historian Jeremy Wilson spent close to 15 years diligently researching and systematically investigating Lawrence’s personal papers, diaries, correspondence, and publications, along with numerous official military and government documents that were not released to the public until 1968.  The result is this biography, which successfully peels away the layers of mythology that have accumulated over the decades.

Lawrence’s life is recounted in intricate detail, much of it coming from his own correspondence and diary entries.  His participation in archaeological expeditions in the Middle East from 1910 to 1914, during which his interest in the Arab peoples and cultures was kindled, is fascinating and also essential to anyone attempting too understand his role in the “Arab Revolt” of World War I.  Of similar interest is Wilson’s recounting of Lawrence’s attempt to achieve anonymity by serving as an enlisted man in the Royal Air Force and, later, the Royal Tank Corps, in the 1920’s.

The text is illuminated by more than 60 photographs and sketches of Lawrence and others who played prominent roles in his life.  Seven maps permit a reader to follow Lawrence’s exploits in the Middle East before and during the Great War.

Lawrence was indeed an enigmatic figure, and Wilson has succeeded in penetrating the shroud of obscurity that has surrounded his life.  He skillfully places Lawrence’s various experiences within the contemporary and proper historical, military, and political contexts.  In many cases, however, he refrains from critical judgment in his quest to present a complete and carefully researched biography, although he is quick to contradict accounts that are critical of Lawrence, especially those pertaining to his alleged homosexuality.

The monumental biography – 934 pages of text and 214 pages of appendices and endnotes – exhaustively recounts all facets of Lawrence’s life.  It will prove to be the definitive account of this controversial figure and will be indispensable to all those interested in “Lawrence of Arabia.”

Book Review, Lawrence of Arabia: The Authorized Biography of T.E. Lawrence,
by Jeremy Wilson, Infantry 82 (November-December 1992): 51.