T. E. Lawrence, now eternally known as “Lawrence of Arabia,” has long captured the imagination of the popular media. In this biography Robert Graves, with his usual engaging style, presents a lively account of the man behind the myth. Unlike many biographies, this work was undertaken with the sanction of Lawrence himself. The source material for this narrative is drawn from interviews with Lawrence and his close associates and family, providing an authenticity that more romantic accounts lack. What comes through is the practical, skilled, and intelligent Lawrence who simply wanted to get on with his life after his assignment in Arabia. Filled with information gleaned firsthand by Lawrence’s experience in the Middle East, this biography contains not only personal information, but a cultural context as well.

Robert von Ranke Graves (1895-1985) was a writer, poet, and scholar. During his long and productive life, he authored more than 140 works. He is known for his use of classical themes and his level of research into his subjects.