4,270 words

David Lean (1908–1991) directed sixteen movies, fully half of them classics, including three of the greatest films ever made: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Doctor Zhivago (1965), and, greatest of them all, Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Lawrence of Arabia is repeatedly ranked as one of the finest films of all time, and when one compares it to such overpraised items as Citizen Kane and Casablanca, a strong case can be made for putting it at the very top of the list. (more…)

Henry Williamson

2,114 words

December 1st is the 122nd birthday of Henry Williamson (Dec. 1, 1895–Aug. 13, 1977), English naturalist, novelist, and nationalist.

One of Williamson’s unique distinctions is to have been T. E. Lawrence’s literary friend and personal confidant during the last seven years of Lawrence’s life, 1928–1935. It is a matter of record that when Lawrence had his fatal motorcycle accident, he had just been to the post office to send a telegram to Williamson.  (more…)

Thomas Edward Lawrence, 1888–1935

1,654 words

French translation here

T. E. Lawrence was born in North Wales on 15 August 1888. He was the illegitimate son of Sir Thomas Chapman, an Anglo-Irish baronet. His mother was Scottish. He became a legend in his own time as Lawrence of Arabia — a brilliant active life which ended in a motorcycle “accident” when he was only 46. (more…)

Thomas Edward Lawrence, 1888–1935

2,432 words

English original here

T. E. Lawrence naquit dans le nord du Pays de Galles le 15 août 1888. Il était le fils illégitime de Sir Thomas Chapman, un baron anglo-irlandais. Sa mère était écossaise. Il devint une légende de son vivant sous le nom de Lawrence d’Arabie – une vie active et brillante qui prit fin dans un « accident » de moto alors qu’il n’avait que 46 ans. (more…)