Massive, definitive historical biography of T.E. Lawrence that strips off the romance and myth and leaves the real man shining plain. Wilson tells much of Lawrence's story through quotation of contemporary materials, wires, memos, letters, all of which spring with energy. Wilson's own writing, crisp and unornamented, moves his whole vast work at an unflagging pace. Not likely to be bettered — a fabulous life told with restraint.