Explorations Read-Aloud: “Revolt in the Desert” by T. E. Lawrence

Every Friday, at 11:00 am, on the library’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page, the library will stream a brand new recording of local thespian, Joseph Coté reading aloud selections from a wide variety of fascinating and entertaining books of fiction and non-fiction.

For February 9, Coté will read aloud from T. E. Lawrence’s book Revolt in the Desert.

Summary:  Revolt in the Desert is the gripping first-hand account of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire of 1916-1918, one of the most astonishing adventures of the First World War, as told by British archaeologist, army officer and diplomat who became renowned as “Lawrence of Arabia”.

The book was first published in small quantity “for his friends” in 1927and was Lawrence’s only account of his epic exploits published before his death in 1935.  A lengthier version of the book, titled Seven Pillars of Wisdom, was published posthumously and released internationally.

T.E. Lawrence turned Arab Bedouin tribes into a powerful guerrilla army against the Turks then fought to get them justice from Britain. The revolt consisted of lightning attacks, cunning, sabotage, nigh-impossible journeys across deserts and remarkable victories.

Lawrence led the uprising with the charismatic Sherif Feisal which sounded the death knell for the Ottoman Empire and changed the geopolitics of the Middle East. 

T.E. Lawrence was a compelling storyteller and here he reveals himself to be a brilliant military strategist with a unique knowledge of the region and the Arab people.

Revolt in the Desert became an instant bestseller when it was first published in 1927.

Click the links to find the library’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.

Thoughts to share? Book ideas to suggest?
Contact Joseph at friday-explorations@usa.net