T. E. Lawrence was one of the most charismatic characters of the First World War; a young archaeologist who fought with the Arabs and wrote an epic and very personal account of their revolt against the Turks in Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Yet this was not the first book to carry that iconic title.

In 1914 the man who would become Lawrence of Arabia burnt the first Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a manuscript in which he described his adventures in the Middle East during the five years before the war.

Anthony Sattin uncovers the story Lawrence wanted to conceal: the truth of his birth, his tortuous relationship with a dominant mother, his deep affection for an Arab boy, the intimate details of the extraordinary journeys he took through the region with which his name is forever connected and the personal reasons that drove him from being a student to becoming an archaeologist and a spy.

Young Lawrence is the first book to focus on the story of T. E. Lawrence in his twenties, before the war, during the period he looked back on as his golden years. Using first-hand sources, museum records and Foreign Office documents, Sattin sets these adventures against the background of corrosive conflicts in Libya and the Balkans. He shows the simmering defiance of Arabs, Armenians and Kurds under Turkish domination, while uncovering the story of an exceptional young man searching for happiness, love and his place in the world until war changed his life forever.

You can read some extracts here:

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/01/i%C2%A0realize_now_that_he_was_sexless/

Anthony has also narrated the full audiobook for Audible, which is available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Young-T-E-Lawrence/dp/151131950X/ref=tmm_abk_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

What the critics said:

‘I enjoyed Young Lawrence very much . . . while Lawrence is not a boy in Anthony Sattin’s splendid book he clearly prefigures Lawrence of Arabia . . . a bold exploration not only of the Middle East, but of himself’ Michael Korda, author of Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia

‘Through meticulous research and crackling prose, Sattin charts the youthful passions and influences – and not a few family and personal secrets – that helped create the future Lawrence of Arabia, and done so in an account so well-written that is hard to put down. An absolutely indispensable read for anyone hoping to understand the evolution of one of the most beguiling and romantic figures of the modern age’ Scott Anderson

‘A quirky but rigorous biographical study’ Economist

‘A valuable insight into a fascinating young man before he disappeared into legend’ Scotsman

‘Anthony Sattin proves that the British know how to write a great adventure as well how to have one. This highly readable book never lacks for the big story but it also does not let that history lose the hero’ New York Journal of Books

‘An enjoyable book and a welcome addition to the literature on Lawrence’ Spectator

‘A compelling account of a young man learning to live according to his dreams’ Observer

‘Anthony Sattin has struck gold . . . balancing a lively, novelistic approach with genuine biographical inquiry in a very readable book’ Giles Foden, Condé Nast Traveller

‘Sattin’s own travel writing experience, lends this detailed biography of Lawrence’s early years an immediacy, pace and sense of place that is as enjoyable as it is revelatory’ Traveller

‘Anthony Sattin, an Arabophile himself, is the perfect writer to bring us Lawrence’s early life . . . a gripping, well researched book’ Compass

In the winter of 1849, Florence Nightingale was an unknown 29-year-old - beautiful, well-born and deeply unhappy. After clashing with her parents over her refusal to marry, she had been offered a lifeline by family friends who suggested a trip to Egypt, a country which she had always longed to visit.

By an extraordinary coincidence, taking the same boat from Alexandria was an unpublished French writer, Gustave Flaubert. Like Nightingale, he was at the crossroads in his life that was to lead to future
acclaim and literary triumph. Egypt for him represented escape and freedom as well as inspiration.

But as a wealthy young man travelling with male friends, he had access to an altogether different Egpyt: where Nightingale sought out temples and dispensaries, Flaubert visited brothels and harems.

In this beguiling book, Anthony Sattin takes a key moment in the lives of two extraordinary figures on the brink of international fame, and provides a fascinating insight into the early days of travel to one of the greatest tourist destinations on the planet.

What the critics said:

‘Some of the finest writing of the year… Sattin made his principal characters dance a ghisotly polka as they shadowed each other across Egypt.’ Hugh Thomson, Independent

‘Deliciously compelling.’ Simon Sebag Montefiore, Daily Telegraph Books of the Year

‘A brilliantly assured experiment in biography, a triumph of the historical imagination. Convincingly researched, informed by an unobtrusive first-hand knowledge of Egyptian places, compellingly skilful in the writing, the whole story is illuminated by Anthony Sattin's delicately perceptive sense of character in action.’ Geoffrey Wall, Literary Review

The history of the African Association, the world’s first geographical society, dedicated to the exploration of the interior of a continent known only through legend and vague report.

Africa was once seen as an El Dorado – a gold-encrusted continent of hope and prosperity, where the ancient civilisations of the Phoenicians and the Egyptians might have survived intact.

The African Association, the world’s first geographical society, set itself the task of revealing the mysteries of the interior of Africa. Founded in 1788 by a group of London-based gentlemen, made famous by the amazing exploits of its adventurers, for forty-three years it was engaged in a quest for geographical knowledge, personal glory, immense wealth and the fulfilment of national ambitions.

There are two strands to the narrative. First there are the people who planned and paid for expeditions, the geographers, scholars, politicians, humanitarian activists and sharp-eyed traders, the richest commoner in England and two former prime ministers among them. Theirs is a lively tale of tavern meetings, court lobbying and salon intrigue during one of the most dramatic periods of world history.

Then there are the adventurers, a mixed group of ex-cons and social outcasts – British, French, Germans and Americans among them – who went to the magical continent in search of glory and the unknown. They included Mungo Park, whose account of his travels was a bestseller for more than a century, and Jean Louis Burckhardt, discoverer of Petra and Abu Simbel. Each of their journeys was extraordinary, packed with drama and excitement, made notable by geographical discoveries and, with very few exceptions, ending in death.

An outstanding account of a unique period characterised by the passion, ambition, courage and sheer sense of adventure of its participants.

What the critics said:

'An elegantly told, richly researched and profoundly moving account of Britain's first probings into the African interior. Sattin handles his complex materials and multiple time-lines with the ease and assurance of a master.' Adam Nicholson, Daily Telegraph

'Anthony Sattin’s absorbing, highly readable and in places ironically humorous account is a well-rounded and definitive study of the early history of the openings up of the African interior.' Martin Booth, Sunday Times

'The Gates of Africa tells a gripping story that has never been adequately told before and does so with style and scholarship. A remarkable story told remarkably well.' Times Higher Educational Supplement

In a ruined temple on the Nile, Anthony Sattin sees a woman praying to the gods of ancient Egypt to bless her with a child. Later in central Cairo he experiences the exuberant celebrations of a saint's day and hears their stony condemnation by an Islamist. The ancient continues to rub up against the modern just as dramatically as when Flaubert wrote, 'Egypt is a wonderful place for contrasts [where?] “splendid things gleam in the dust.'In the company of Sattin, fearless in the face of snarling dogs and hostile guardians, we criss-cross modern-day Egypt in search of survivals from ancient Pharaonic culture. Inspired by the experiences of two long-dead English women, he visits moonlit temples and festivals, university professors and religious leaders to unearth snake hunters and magicians, wise women, tree worshippers and charlatans. The Pharaoh's Shadow celebrates Sattin's love of Egypt and his desire to understand her many facets "€“past, present and future.In a ruined temple on the Nile, Anthony Sattin sees a woman praying to the gods of ancient Egypt to bless her with a child. Later in central Cairo he experiences the exuberant celebrations of a saint's day and hears their stony condemnation by an Islamist. The ancient continues to rub up against the modern just as dramatically as when Flaubert wrote, 'Egypt is a wonderful place for contrasts of “splendid things gleam in the dust.'In the company of Sattin, fearless in the face of snarling dogs and hostile guardians, we criss-cross modern-day Egypt in search of survivals from ancient Pharaonic culture. Inspired by the experiences of two long-dead English women, he visits moonlit temples and festivals, university professors and religious leaders to unearth snake hunters and magicians, wise women, tree worshippers and charlatans. The Pharaoh's Shadow celebrates Sattin's love of Egypt and his desire to understand her many facets of “past, present and future."

What the critics said:

‘What ultimately sustains and animates this fascinating and brilliant book is Sattin’s boundless love for Egypt and his wonderful ability to convey his enthusiasm. This is a marvellous book, and one that any living travel writer would have been proud to write.’ William Dalrymple, Spectator

‘Sattin is like a cross between Indiana Jones and a John Buchan hero and the result is a triumph. If you read only one travel book this year, make it this one.’ Robert Carver, Daily Mail

‘Sattin is to Egypt what William Dalrymple is to India.’ Iain Finlayson, The Times 

'It comes as a revelation... perhaps the best personal travel account of Egypt ever written; more satisfying even than flaubert's roistering letters and journals.  Well, actually, Flaubert is better on the brothels, Nightingale on the temples, and her writing is no less accomplished. She approached Egypt with the soul of a mystic, the sensitivity of an artist and the discernment of a scholar. Visually the book is as exciting as the words.  The appearance of the correspondence in this format is a major publishing coup, and, simultaneously, in its own way, a major Egyptian discovery.' John Anthony West, New York Times

Ever since the first intrepid European explorers ventured up the Nile, an eclectic crowd of tourists, soldiers, fortune-seekers, tomb-raiders and empire-builders has travelled to Egypt. Whether sparked by its rich history and compelling landscapes, the elusive ruins of a once-magnificent civilisation or the country's strategic importance in world politics, the west's fascination with Egypt has flourished over that past two centuries. In a fast-paced narrative, richly adorned with gossip, anecdote and adventure, Anthony Sattin illuminates the passions and intrigues of an extraordinary cast of characters. From Florence Nightingale to Lord Nelson, Giovanni Belzoni to Howard Carter, Somerset Maugham to E.M. Forster and Gustave Flaubert to Noel Coward, they scrambled up the pyramids, floated down the Nile, partied on the terrace of Shepheard's Hotel, plotted, ransacked, lived, loved and were forever changed by their experience - as Egypt was by them. 'Lifting the Veil is based on the agreeable idea of travelling the tourist routes in Egypt and buttressing impressions with those of previous visitors, from James Bruce, the Nile explorer of the late 1760s and early 1770s, through to Noel Coward; and Mr. Sattin has drawn on members of the British community and the historians. The result is a book that conveys a great deal of the expatriate's experience... The steamers that make Nile cruises today usually have a library to entertain and instruct the passengers. Lifting the Veil will do just that and no doubt will eventually be found in every one of them.' - P.H. Newby, TLS

'A new and lively portrait of an ancient, dormant land, catapulted into a hasty modernisation drive… full of interesting snippets and brimming with a genuine fondness for the country and its people, Lifting the Veil has become my favourite reference.' Fayza Hassan, Al Ahram Weekly

'Just the book to take along with your Agatha Christies and Olivia Mannings (and the Alexandria Quartet for good measure) as you board that Luxor-bound steamer at Cairo.' Charles Allen, Sunday Times

'Steamers that make Nile cruises today usually have a library to entertain and instruct the passengers. Lifting the Veil will do just that and no doubt will eventually be found in every one of them.' P.H. Newby, TLS

Whether it's yearning to run away and join a Mexican circus or simply to settle in a quiet rural village somewhere in a Mediterranean land, the dream of a pied a terre in an exotic locale is almost universal. Don George has been a pioneer travel writer and journalist in the travel field for more than two decades. He has won numerous writing awards including one for Best Travel Web Site and has edited two travel anthologies.

Exploring the fragility of a family in the face of heroin addiction this book narrated by the younger brother describes the cause of Alex's return and its effects on his respectable middle-class home. 

Mungo Park, a surgeon, was sent by the African Association to explore West Africa & open trade routes along the Niger River to the fabled, gold-rich Timbuktu. His record of his travels brought a new image of Africa to the European public, though the continent claimed his life.