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Lawrence of Arabia

The definitive 21st-century biography of a 20th-century soldier, adventurer and leader

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Lawrence of Arabia

By: Ranulph Fiennes
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The authoritative, illuminating biography of T. E. Lawrence - the man who inspired the iconic film Lawrence of Arabia - from "The World's Greatest Living Explorer" Ranulph Fiennes.

Thomas Edward Lawrence first set foot on the hot sands of Arabia in 1909.

By 1918 there was a £20,000 price on his head.

His journey to this point has long been legend. From his first postings as archaeologist, liaison and map officer, to fighting alongside guerrilla forces during the Arab Revolt, journeying more than 300 miles through blistering heat to capture Aqaba, to his involvement in peace conferences that decided the future of the Middle East, Lawrence gave over his life fully to this land and its people. An unhappy outsider in childhood, in Arabia, Lawrence found a home. But as he grew in notoriety and proved his worth to his Arab comrades, his Turkish enemies set their sights on his capture . . .

A legend in his own lifetime, Lawrence's epic story has always been ripe for the retelling - but Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer. Leading Arab troops into battle on the Arabian peninsula in a war fought fifty years later, Fiennes too discovered the wonders of these far-flung lands and the people who live there, and is one of very few who can claim a true insight into the kind of life that Lawrence lived - bold and adventurous to the end.

With detailed access to records and an in-depth knowledge of the exploration routes and mindset of those who venture into the unknown, in Lawrence of Arabia, Fiennes brings us at last to a true and full account of this mysterious adventurer who captivated the world.

©2023 Ranulph Fiennes (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Historical Middle East Military Military & War World War I War Ottoman Empire Imperialism Africa Iran

Critic Reviews

Corking, rip-roaring, crisply written, full of extraordinary characters. We follow Lawrence's band of camel-borne warriors as they gallop through 600 miles of blistering heat to capture Aqaba on the Red Sea, along the way blowing up railway lines and enemy troop trains. An immaculate retelling of this cracking story
An excellent guide to a colourful life for readers who enjoy tales of adventure in the desert sands
Praise for Ranulph Fiennes
Fiennes' own experiences certainly allow him to write vividly and with empathy of the hell that the men went through.
A valuable corrective to the trend of Scott debunking...One by one, and with the commendable attention to detail, Fiennes explodes the accumulated myths.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes has done Captain Scott's memory some service...he has certainly written a more dispassionate and balanced account than Huntford ever set out to do. (Simon Courtauld)
Full of awe-inspiring details of hardship, resolve and weather that defies belief, told by someone of unique authority. No one is more tailor-made to tell [this] story than Sir Ranulph Fiennes
All stars
Most relevant
Great to hear some of the adventures of Lawrence. I always enjoy hearing Mr Fiennes talking about his own history and adventures.
I think he is a remarkable adventurer and hope he will make more audible books.

Very interesting

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I got bogged down with the detail of 7 Pillars of Wisdom so turned to this book to get the overview and perspective that I was missing in the former. I now have a much better picture of the macro - and this will help me to complete 7 Pillars which is, as this author says, one of the best books ever written.

Fantastic overview of this great man - and a good companion to 7 Pillars of Wisdom

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The greatest current adventurer, author and narrator, Sir Ranulph Fienness writing about his childhood hero, Lawrence of Arabia. Two Promethean peregrinators and two of the greatest British adventurers ever in the deserts of Araby. Throw in the British King, King Feisal, Winston Churchill and of course Lawrence. A hero with empathy and integrity. What's not to like.

Lawrence and Fiennes-a match made in heaven.

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The author used this as a platform to promote himself with frequent reflections which interupted the narrative.

Amazing character

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I so enjoyed listening to this book of, Laurence of Arabia. Jonathan Keebles narration was excellent

Laurence of Arabia

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.