Social sciences

摘要

A true Renaissance woman, Bell (1868-1926) was as involved in the formation of Iraq as T.E. Lawrence (Seven Pillars of Wis-dom) but is surprisingly lesser known. The selected excerpts featured here are taken from Bell's more than 16,000 letters and eight books, providing a fascinating glimpse at her larger-than-life personality. Editor Howell (Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations) divides the work into segments, each illustrating a particular field that Bell not only dabbled in but mastered. The chapters include letters and writings regard-ing her intrepid mountain climbing experiences ("The Mountaineer"), her mastery of multiple languages ("The Linguist"), and her various travels into the heart of Arabia ("The Desert Traveler"). The genius of this collection is letting Bell tell her story in her own words-just as her fiercely independent spirit would have wanted. Impossible to put down, the book reads a bit like a travelog, part humorous wit and part educational lec-ture, allowing the reader an in-depth look at the life of a true heroine and the time period she inhabited and conquered. VERDICT In light of the 2015 film Queen of the Desert based on Bell's life, this timely and time-less compilation is a must-have for every library.