Behind the Lawrence legend : the forgotten few who shaped the Arab revolt / Philip Walker.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Walker, Philip, 1949- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Lawrence, T. E. (Thomas Edward), 1888-1935.

Lawrence, T. E.

Wilson, Cyril Edward, 1873-1938.

Wilson, Cyril Edward.

Gray, Lionel.

World War, 1914-1918--Campaigns--Arabian Peninsula.

World War, 1914-1918.

Arab countries--History--Arab Revolt, 1916-1918.

Arab countries.

History.

HISTORY / Middle East / General.

HISTORY / Military / World War I.

HISTORY / Middle East / Turkey & Ottoman Empire.

Local Subjects:

HISTORY / Middle East / General.

HISTORY / Military / World War I.

HISTORY / Middle East / Turkey & Ottoman Empire.

Physical Description:

xix, 284 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

[Oxford, United Kingdom] : Oxford University Press, [2018]

Summary:

T. E. Lawrence became world-famous as "Lawrence of Arabia" after helping Sherif Hussein of Mecca gain independence from Turkey during the Arab Revolt of 1916-18. His achievements, however, would have been impossible without the unsung efforts of a forgotten band of fellow officers and spies. This groundbreaking account by Philip Walker interweaves the compelling stories of Colonel Cyril Wilson and a colorful supporting cast with the narrative of Lawrence and the desert campaign. These men's lost tales provide a remarkable and fresh perspective on Lawrence and the Arab Revolt. While Lawrence and others blew up trains in the desert, Wilson and his men carried out their shadowy intelligence and diplomatic work. His deputies rooted out anti-British soldiers who were trying to sabotage the revolt. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Lionel Gray, a cipher officer, provided a gateway into unknown aspects of the revolt through his previously unpublished photographs and eyewitness writings. Wilson's crucial influence underpinned all these missions and steadied the revolt on a number of occasions when it could have collapsed. Without Wilson and his circle there would have been no "Lawrence of Arabia." Wilson's band mostly fell through the cracks of history into obscurity. Behind the Lawrence Legend reveals their vital impact and puts Lawrence's efforts into context, helping to set the record straight for one of the most beguiling and iconic characters of the twentieth century.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-274) and index.

ISBN:

0198802277

9780198802273

OCLC:

991100935