Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T.E. Lawrence
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Book Reviews of Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
Book Review: "Precautionary murder" vs. "preemptive defense."
Summary: 5 Stars
Seven Pillars of Wisdom is fascinating from cover to cover. The book is on some levels Lawrence's study of himself as much as a history of the battles in which he was involved. He writes, "Any protestation of the truth from me was called modesty, self-depreciation. It always irritated me, this silly confusion of shyness, which was conduct, with modesty, which was a point of view... I was not modest, but ashamed of my awkwardness, of my physical envelope, of my solitary unlikeness which made me no companion, but an acquaintance, complete, angular, uncomfortable, as a crystal." This type of introspection is most uncommon in a military man.Not a squeamish soldier, Lawrence was once forced into a situation in which he executed a murderer, and on another occasion he authorized "take no prisoners" after the Turks conducted one of their numerous brutal atrocities. But there were some things even Lawrence recognized as boundaries of civilized behavior best not transgressed. In the final chapters he explains why he thought better of his initial inclination to kill several petty warlords who were participating in and would in the future likely betray the Arab Revolt -- he did not want to teach his Arab followers that "precautionary murder" was a legitimate part of political struggle. One is left wondering what he would have to say about today's politicians who promote "preemptive defense" as a legitimate strategy and standing policy. At least Lawrence's terminology was far more honest and direct.
Book Review: T.E. Lawrence: A suprising tale
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved The classic Sir David Lean film Lawrence of Arabia since I was just a very small child. I am not a normal person in the respect that I began reading classic novels (Atlas Shrugged, for example) when I was eight years old. Therefore, my review is aimed at those who strive, or rather thirst, for great writing. T.E. Lawrence was a man with sometimes racist views and a wonderful mind. At first, reading his exploits in the desert, you gain a sense that he was just a normal person with too much time on his hands... and yet, the magical appeal of a truly great man, as shown in the film, is clearly evident in his book, however much he denies it throughout. Lean's film was very long to most viewers, but only covered the minimal highlights of T.E. Lawrence visit to Arabia. The book covers all of those things that would never appear in a film. Real life, deeper levels of thought, insight, history, etcetera. I am 100 pages into my third time through "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" and, like "To Kill a Mockingbird", enjoy it regularily and far beyond the fantastic film made from the story. A brief warning: Politically correct people will find this book extremely offensive. I am suprised that it isn't on a current "Banned Book" list here in America or given some sort of B.S. television rating to keep the younger generation naieve. By the way, Frank Herbert's "Dune" was a fictional rip-off of this book. (But also a good fictional rip off)Book Review: a great man
Summary: 5 Stars
To begin with, I feel I don't have a right to judge here, because I cannot judge a persons life. But I can give my opinion, I hope that the difference is clear.I have heard long ago that the famous movie was a real story, and much later, I discovered that Lawrence himself has written this tale down. And so I went and bought it. For three weeks - and this is a long time for me, who reads usually three books a week - couldn't put it down. I have always been more interested in people, than in history, but in this book is both. Although Lawrence very scarcly talks about himself, he is present on every page. I think the movie, good, but incorrect, had to fail on his person. The true Lawrence was a intelligent, arrogant, very sarcastic man; he was inconsistent a man. And, I think, always fighting not to break at it. I found there a truely great man, yet no hero in the way this word is used. He has done extraordinary thing in Arabia, and for the Arabs, not for the britsh, or himself. Maybe this is the meaning of "Hero" after all. To do something, that even today, people are spellbound by it, the story, the man, the philosophy. Maybe Lawrence was a hero, after all.
By the way, Lawrence proves to be one of the most skilled writers I have ever seen.
Finally, I can only say one thing: Read this book, no matter if you read in twenty years, or in french, or english, or if you carry it with you on your holiday on the moon. But read it.
Book Review: A Great Piece of Literature and History
Summary: 5 Stars
T.E.Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", published in 1926 is a stark contrast to much of the literary works of that time (compare to Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" published in 1928). I thought his dispassionate, photographic, unflowery, and crisply accurate and detailed descriptions of his experiences, his quick sizing up of the abilities and characters of the people he had to deal with, his self criticism, agonizing over his betrayal of the Arabs who helped him for the benefit of England to be very refreshing. His vocabulary was excellent. Somehow I find it hard to imagine Virginia Woolf as being self critical in a public way like Lawarence was. And her choice of words was about at the same level as Miss Manners.It is ironic that both books dealt with the Turks as an anvil. The Sick Man of Europe was disintegrating. Virginia's Orlando described the pleasant boredom of an ambassador's life in Instanbul and T.E. endured a bloody beating to avoid being raped by a homosexual officer in the Turkish army, between blowing up Turkish trains. Somehow that didn't make it to the movie.
In the coddled civilization in which we men (and women) live today, it is a good reminder that there are reasons why you don't pander to the perverse, stupid, and ignorant. T. E. Lawarence maintained the highest standards, standing apart, the best of leaders. A good example and a book well written that is worth reading over and over.
Book Review: During World War I
Summary: 5 Stars
a flamboyant and intellectual British officer named T. E. Lawrence embarked on a journey to the Arab prince Feisal (later King Feisal I of Iraq) in the Hejaz (present-day Saudi Arabia), where he would eventually unite warring Arab tribes against the Turks, sabotage railroad lines, and rewrite the political history of the Middle East.
"Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is T(homas) E(dward) Lawrence's own adventure-strewn, lyrically written account of these events.
After watching Sir David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," I wanted to read this book to find out the real story behind the film. It's an enjoyable read and I was surprised to find that the film is (for the most part) accurate. However, as you can imagine, the political situation in the film was simplified, some things were changed and a *great deal* of interesting people and events were omitted for time's sake. Here in the book, they are presented to us in full and colorful detail, just as Lawrence remembered them.
"Seven Pillars" is a fascinating examination of war, politics, loyalty and human psychology, as well as the Middle East and its people as Lawrence came to know them. It's not an easy read, but if you're willing to give it a little extra effort, you'll discover a book that's both exciting and insightful, whether your interest is in history (of the military or the Middle East), adventure, or just the memoirs of an uncommon man.