Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Seven Pillars of Wisdom is T. E. Lawrence's memoir of his involvement in leading a portion of the Arab revolt against the Ottoman empire during World War I. The empire had joined the side of Germany and the Central Powers in the war, and Britain hoped that a successful revolt would take the empire out of the war effort. Britain had also promised the Arabs that, if they were successful, England would recognize a single Arab state. Lawrence convinced the Arab leaders, who had historically not shown a willingness to work together, to join forces in supporting Britain's strategy in the area. His memoir is part travelogue, part philosophy treatise, and part action novel. It details his movements and actions during his two-year involvement, his relationships with the various Arab leaders and those who fought with him, and his thoughts-and doubts-during that time. It's a gripping, highly readable tale made famous by the movie Lawrence of Arabia, and one that Winston Churchill called "unsurpassable" as a "narrative of war and adventure."