Revered or reviled, Gertrude Bell was a commanding figure: scholar, linguist, archeologist, traveller and "orientalist". Belonging to the tradition of the great British Middle East enthusiasts of the early 20th century, she explored the Ottoman Empire during and after World War I and was hugely instrumental in the post-war reconfiguration of the Arab states in the Middle East. She was a prime mover in drawing up Iraq's boundaries and establishing a constitutional monarchy there with a parliament, civil service and legal system; she was influential in creating a state which had all the trappings of independence while remaining a virtual British colony. This book offers a contribution to the study of Bell's colourful life - exploring the personal passions, desires and relationships that drove her - as well as to an understanding of the creation of a country so central to the instability of today's Middle East. Using various sources, including Bell's own diaries and letters, Liora Lukitz provides a portrait of this influential character and the tragedy, vulnerability and frustrations that were key to her quest for both a British-dominated Middle East, and relief from the torture of her romantic failures.

Book Information
ISBN 9781850434153
Author Liora Lukitz
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint I.B. Tauris
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC