In a Sea of Knowledge: British Arabists in the Twentieth Century

This lively and original study looks at the remarkable story of British Arabists from 1900 to the new millennium. It examines Lawrence of Arabia, Abdullah Philby, and the lady who knew them both well, Gertrude Bell. Women Arabists appear at many stages of the story as do an extraordinary range of characters, from diplomats and archaeologists to journalists and explorers. After examining the roles of British Arabists throughout the century, the author provides much food for thought by showing how closely involved Arabs and Muslims have become in British life in the third millennium.