With Lawrence in Arabia

Lawrence has been severely criticized for his obvious character faults and bizarre behavior both during and after the war. The critics have used these assessments to minimize the value of his activities, which in my opinion only tends to obscure what Lawrence personally experienced and what Lowell Thomas described - namely that the people of the desert were first of all faithful to the clan, next to the tribe, and then only incidently to any larger arab grouping. Despite a common enemy, there was little common purpose. Lawrence's greatest challenges were securing cooperation between the various tribal groups. Much of this thinking still pervades the Middle East. The Iraq situation is just a modern version of Arabia during WW1. Of equal interest and importance are the descriptions of Lawrence's activities in the Middle East prior to the war. He successfully conducted archaeologic explorations (digs) using local resident labor. And he demonstated how he involved them emotionally in achieving group success in that effot. Timeless and priceless example. A book for the ages. Should be required reading in Washington DC.

Lowell Thomas was an American reporter who traveled with Lawrence during the war. Besides Lawrence's Revolt in the Desert and Seven Pillars of Wisdom this is the only 1st person account of Lawrence. It is by far the best read of the three. Anyone with any interest in Lawrence or WWI should read this book.

In writing his book about Lawrence of Arabia, Lowell Thomas knew how to package a story for selling it to a wide variety of audiences. Thomas was, after all, a multi-media professional. Thomas sometimes took liberty with his subject such as how he recalled his first meeting with Lawrence (pg. 1). At other times, Thomas indulged in histrionics (for example when he grew emphatic about the most brilliant and spectacular military operation in the world's history) (pg. 179).Despite these shortcomings, "With Lawrence in Arabia" has the merit and talent to make a complex man accessible to the great majority of people. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" by Lawrence himself, though a literary masterpiece, is not an easy read compared to Thomas's recollection of Lawrence's exploits. Furthermore, Thomas has defended himself with conviction when he reminds in his foreword that he has not created the myth of Lawrence of Arabia (xiv). Lord Beaverbrook put it nicely when he commented on vain attempts to smear Lawrence's reputation: Every great man is subject to vicious, venomous attack. There are no exceptions. The one who will suffer will be the author (xviii). Lawrence had admirers such as Winston Churchill, Field Marshal Viscount Allenby and Viceroy and Viscount Halifax, to name a few, who knew Lawrence's strengths and weaknesses from personal experience. Most Lawrence's detractors did not know him at this level.Most importantly, "With Lawrence in Arabia" gives contemporary readers valuable insights into the Middle East. The last chapters are probably the most fascinating and also the most actual of all. Thomas recalled how Lawrence helped his old friend, King Feisal, become king of Iraq after being kicked out of Syria by the French. Media-savvy, Lawrence convinced the British Empire to come to the realization that the occupation of Iraq was a burden both to the Imperial Exchequer and Mesopotamia (pg. 230-234). The Coalition in Iraq knows it very well and is working on a transition plan to help Iraqis regain their sovereignty. Probably elections will be held across Iraq in the near future to accommodate the concern of the Shiite community. After these elections, the mandated framers of the new Iraqi Constitution could proceed as follows:I. On Iraqis and their rightsThe U.S. Bill of Rights could serve as a source of inspiration to govern the relationships between Iraqi citizens and the state. However, the wording of some constitutional amendments should be slightly amended to be fully understandable to a 21st century audience. Although the predominantly Islamic character of Iraq could be stressed in the Fundamental Law as a concession to the Muslim clergy, the separation of religious institutions and state should be made very clear to preserve the rights of religious minorities. Finally, the incorporation of economic, social and cultural rights and their corresponding obligations into the Fundamental Law could be considered as well.II. On PowerSepara

Lowell Thomas launched a first step toward a great career as an author, journalist, and eventually radio commentator with this book revealing the exploits of T.E. Lawrence in Arabia. In David Lean's great film "Lawrence of Arabia" a facsimile of Thomas was presented with the journalist played by Arthur Kennedy who came from New York to cover the great desert warrior's exploits.In addition to providing readers with a firsthand look at the enigmatic, always colorful Lawrence, Thomas also gives us a good look at the geographical milieu of an ancient and fascinating land. He also provides excellent information on tribal leaders, complete with illuminating thumbnail sketches, such as his portrait of the fabled legend in his own time, Auda, who, when told that his false teeth had come from the country he hated, Turkey, smashed them with a rock and was compelled to take his meals through a straw for two weeks.After having learned a great deal about Lawrence elsewhere, what I found truly unique about Thomas' biographical study was his analysis of the desert warrior's brilliant strategy of bringing disparate tribes together for a common goal. He stressed to tribal leaders, making proper pragmatically individualized approaches, how important it was to overcome Turkey's Ottoman Empire in Arabia. Lawrence emphasized that disunity had been their major stumbling block in failing to meet their objectives as Arabs. Lawrence's diplomatic skills resulted in at least a temporary unity, with even the headstrong inidivdualist, Auda, joining the cohesive effort to overthrow the Ottoman regime.

I read the 1967 version of this book, it being the only version avaliable at my public library, shortly after seeing the film "Lawrence of Arabia". Hearing the actual story very enlighting and I enjoyed the examples of Lawrence's wit Lowell Thomas showed. In this version he also has some rather pointed remarks to say about the Lawrence bashers that were about during that time. Some of it was soooo funny! Lowell's writing style was absolutely beautiful!