In the early part of the twentieth century, Gertrude Bell explored and traveled throughout the Middle East, often alone with just her bearers, servants, and proper British tea service. She was a friend and contemporary of Lawrence of Arabia, and was employed as a source of intelligence by the British military in the First World War.
This is a detailed study of a fascinating life, of which we have heard remarkably little to now, considering the groundbreaking nature of Gertrude Bell's travels, contacts, and service to her country.
Although well-written for the most part, there are jarring lapses into the breathless prose of the 'celebrity writer' and occasional flights of fancy that may come from using the raw material of Bell's letters and diaries. The book could have used some tighter editing but is still a good read, and will leave you wondering why you never heard of her before.