Allenby of Arabia, Lawrence's general

This book was very well-written, informative and insightful. For some reason, Allenby's contributions to the modern Middle East have been almost forgotten, although he accomplished amazing feats in a relatively short period of time.I had not ever heard or read any of the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering that tried to keep Egypt and the Arab world under British control before. These revelations were extremely interesting and educational.General Allenby displayed amazingly even-handed administration in a potentially volatile situation--as later history has demonstrated. He was an exceptional leader, whose story deserves to be told and remembered.I strongly recommend this book to anyone who really wants to learn about 20th century history and the events and people who have shaped our 21st century world.

I found this book to be a very well written biography of one of the greatest generals of modern times: Viscount Edmund Allenby. It is not so much a military book, although it includes a lot of military discussions, as a biography. But, I was considerably enlightened on Allenby's post-war accomplishments, of which I had previously heard little. I do not want to spoil the surprises, but Allenby had a greater impact on the modern Middle East than most people know about. And, it was fascinating to see some of the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering that occurred, regarding these events. That part was especially worthwhile, I think.Gardner writes very well, and he includes a Foreward by Lowell Thomas, who made T.E. Lawrence famous, which tells a lot of other material about Allenby, the man.I recommend this book for any historian or history buff who wants to learn more about an almost-forgotten, yet important-to-today events, period of history. We should be taught more about this kind of history in school!