Seven Pillars of Wisdom

The book takes its name from the seven pillars that are mentioned in the biblical book of Proverbs which symbolize wisdom strength and stability. Lawrence uses these pillars as a metaphor for the seven key principles that he believes are necessary for success in the Arab Revolt. The memoir covers Lawrences early years in the Middle East his involvement in the Arab Revolt and his experiences as a guerrilla fighter and military strategist. Lawrence describes in detail the battles and sieges that took place during the revolt as well as the political and social complexities of the Arab world at the time. The book is also notable for its lyrical and poetic prose which has made it a classic of English literature. Lawrences vivid descriptions of the desert landscapes and the people he encountered are often compared to the works of William Shakespeare and John Keats. Seven Pillars of Wisdom was initially published in a limited edition of 750 copies which were mostly distributed to Lawrences friends and associates. The book was later revised and expanded for a wider audience and it has since become a popular and influential work in the field of military history and Middle Eastern studies.