T.E. Lawrence : tormented hero / Andrew Norman.

Includes bibliographical references.

Andrew Norman sheds new light on the aspects of the life of Lawrence of Arabia that remain a mystery to this day. Lawrence's sexual orientation is discussed in detail, including his dislike of physical relationships, and it is suggested that he suffered from sexual aversion disorder. Evidence that he was beaten on several occasions at his own request comes from several sources, and appears to be irrefutable. Other aspects of his life discussed include his relationship with his parents, notably his problematic relationship with his mother Sarah; his role in the Arab Revolt and subsequent disillusionment; his friendship with some of the literati of the day including E. M. Forster, George Bernard Shaw and Robert Graves; his love for and veneration of Thomas Hardy; how Shaw's wife, Charlotte, became his confidante; and how he took Lady Astor riding on his motorcycle.