Lawrence of Arabia

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

By: Ranulph Fiennes

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

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

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

Told In Believable & Realistic Way

A strong characterisation of one military man about another. Did not shy away from the complexity of the many aspects of Lawrence & his role in helping craft modern Arabian Peninsula politics.

Enjoyed the insights into tactics, as well as the struggles this young man had trying to set his birthright right.

Narrated in a meaningful & authoritative tone with accents as appropriate. Recommended for those wanting to understand more about the WW1 Middle East campaign without glorifying the events or building new myths.