Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia is the stuff of legend. There have been numerous books written and films made about him, but who was T.E. Lawrence actually? What made this man with so many talents, who was also immensely brave and resourceful, act and think as he did? Our 40th Episode explores some of the possible reasons. 

Books:

• Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence
• Lawrence of Arabia: The Authorized Biography of T.E. Lawrence by Jeremy Wilson
• T.E. Lawrence by His Friends edited by Arnold Lawrence
• The Letters of T.E. Lawrence edited by David Garnett

Film:

• Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Starring Peter O’Toole
• Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle For The Arab World (2003) PBS Documentary

 Edits:

• T.E. Lawrence is buried in the churchyard of St. Nicolas’ Church in Moreton, Dorset, but there is a memorial bust of Lawrence located in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
• Even though we mentioned it, we never did get around to discussing the Allenby Rule. Per the 1962 film, when in Damascus and a large fire broke out, one of General Allenby’s subordinates asked him, “What should be done?”  to which Allenby replied, “Nothing, it’s usually best.” So, when a problem arises and you’re faced with a myriad of options, often your best choice is to do nothing, i.e., the Allenby Rule.