Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia
Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia
Book Brief
BetaDesert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2005425
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Middle East • Early 20th century
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia by Janet Wallach explores the life of Gertrude Bell, a pioneering woman in the Middle East. As an adventurer, scholar, and political advisor, Bell played a critical role in the formation of Iraq and worked closely with key historical figures like Lawrence of Arabia.
Adventurous
Informative
Inspirational
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,914 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Janet Wallach's Desert Queen offers a vivid and engaging portrait of Gertrude Bell's multifaceted life. Readers praise the detailed research and compelling narrative style, highlighting Bell's influence in the Middle East. Critiques focus on occasional historical biases and a lack of critical analysis of Bell's political impact. Overall, it is seen as a captivating and informative read.
Who Should Read Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell: Adventurer, Adviser to Kings, Ally of Lawrence of Arabia?
A reader captivated by historical biographies, particularly of pioneering women, and Middle Eastern politics would enjoy Desert Queen. Fans of The Women Who Lived for Danger or Cleopatra: A Life will appreciate Gertrude Bell's adventurous spirit and influence alongside T.E. Lawrence.
6,914 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gertrude Bell, the focus of Desert Queen, was not only a pioneering archaeologist but also one of the few prominent female diplomats in the Middle East during the early 20th century.
In addition to her diplomatic and adventurous endeavors, Gertrude Bell was a skilled linguist, mastering multiple languages including Arabic and Persian, which greatly aided her in navigating geopolitics in the region.
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Gertrude Bell played a critical role in the creation and administration of modern-day Iraq, significantly influencing its political landscape alongside T.E. Lawrence, another key figure of the era.
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Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Middle East • Early 20th century
2005
Adult
18+ years
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