How Philby of Arabia Shaped the Middle East: Elizabeth Monroe's Biography of Harry St John Philby
Philby of Arabia Elizabeth Monroe PDF Free
If you are interested in the history and politics of the Middle East, you might have heard of Philby of Arabia, a controversial figure who played a significant role in shaping the region in the 20th century. You might also be curious about his biography written by Elizabeth Monroe, a renowned historian and diplomat who knew him personally. In this article, we will introduce you to both Philby and Monroe, explain why their book is worth reading, and show you how you can get a free PDF copy of it online.
philby of arabia elizabeth monroe pdf free
Who was Philby of Arabia?
Philby of Arabia was the nickname of Harry St John Bridger Philby, a British explorer, spy, writer, and adviser to King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia. He was born in 1885 in India, where his father was a civil servant. He studied at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled in oriental languages. He joined the Indian Civil Service in 1907 and was posted to Lahore, where he learned Urdu and Persian. He also became interested in Arabic and Islam.
His early life and career
In 1915, during World War I, Philby was recruited by the British intelligence service and sent to Mesopotamia (now Iraq) to organize an Arab uprising against the Ottoman Empire, which was allied with Germany. He met T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and worked with him on the Arab Revolt. He also met Ibn Saud, the ruler of Najd (now part of Saudi Arabia), who impressed him with his charisma and vision.
His role in the Arab Revolt and the Sykes-Picot Agreement
Philby became disillusioned with the British government when he learned about the Sykes-Picot Agreement, a secret deal between Britain and France to divide the Middle East into spheres of influence after the war. He felt that this betrayed the promises made to the Arabs for their independence and self-determination. He also disagreed with Lawrence's support for Faisal, Ibn Saud's rival for the leadership of the Arab world.
His friendship with Ibn Saud and his conversion to Islam
Philby resigned from his official position in 1924 and became a personal adviser to Ibn Saud, who was expanding his territory by conquering Hejaz (the western part of Saudi Arabia) and consolidating his power as the king of Saudi Arabia. Philby helped Ibn Saud negotiate with the British and other foreign powers, as well as explore the potential for oil production in his kingdom. He also converted to Islam in 1930 and adopted the name Abdullah. He married a Saudi woman and had several children with her.
Who was Elizabeth Monroe?
Elizabeth Monroe was a British historian, journalist, and diplomat who specialized in the Middle East. She was born in 1914 in London, where her father was a barrister. She studied at St Paul's Girls' School and Somerville College, Oxford, where she graduated with a first-class degree in modern history. She also learned Arabic and Persian.
Her background and education
Monroe worked as a journalist for The Economist and The Observer, covering the Middle East and other regions. She also taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, where she became a professor of modern history of the Middle East. She wrote several books and articles on the history and politics of the Middle East, such as Britain's Moment in the Middle East, 1914-1956 (1963) and The Arab League Today (1956).
Her work as a historian and a diplomat
Monroe was also involved in diplomacy and public service. She served as a member of the British delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in 1958 and 1959. She also advised the British government on Middle Eastern affairs, especially during the Suez Crisis of 1956, when Britain, France, and Israel invaded Egypt to regain control of the Suez Canal. She was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1960 for her services to diplomacy.
Her biography of Philby of Arabia
Monroe met Philby in 1946 when she interviewed him for The Observer. She became fascinated by his life story and decided to write his biography. She visited him several times in Saudi Arabia and had access to his personal papers and diaries. She also interviewed many of his friends, enemies, and associates. She published her book, Philby of Arabia, in 1973, shortly before Philby's death. It was widely praised as a well-researched and balanced account of Philby's complex and controversial career.
Why is Philby of Arabia a valuable book?
Philby of Arabia is a valuable book for several reasons. First, it provides a unique perspective on the history of the Middle East in the 20th century, especially the rise of Saudi Arabia as a regional power and an oil producer. It shows how Philby influenced and witnessed some of the major events and developments that shaped the region, such as the Arab Revolt, the Sykes-Picot Agreement, the discovery of oil, the creation of Israel, and the Cold War.
It provides a unique perspective on the history of the Middle East
Second, it reveals the complex personality and motives of Philby, who was both admired and despised by many people. It explores his reasons for betraying his country and his loyalty to Ibn Saud, his views on Islam and Arab nationalism, his ambitions and frustrations, his achievements and failures, his love affairs and family life. It also compares and contrasts him with other famous figures who were involved in the Middle East, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, Ibn Saud, Faisal, and Gamal Abdel Nasser.
It reveals the complex personality and motives of Philby
Third, it challenges some of the myths and stereotypes about Philby that have been perpetuated by popular culture and media. It corrects some of the factual errors and exaggerations that have been made about his role and actions. It also evaluates his legacy and impact on the Middle East and the world. It does not glorify or condemn him, but rather presents him as a human being with strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices.
It challenges some of the myths and stereotypes about Philby
How can you get a free PDF copy of Philby of Arabia?
If you are interested in reading Philby of Arabia by Elizabeth Monroe, you might be wondering how you can get a free PDF copy of it online. Before we answer that question, we need to address some legal and ethical issues that are involved in downloading free PDF books.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Philby of Arabia by Elizabeth Monroe is a valuable book that provides a unique perspective on the history and politics of the Middle East in the 20th century. It reveals the complex personality and motives of Philby of Arabia, a controversial figure who played a significant role in shaping the region. It also challenges some of the myths and stereotypes about him that have been perpetuated by popular culture and media. If you want to read this book for free online, you can find it on OpenStax or other websites that offer free PDF books legally and ethically. However, you should also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of reading PDF books compared to printed books or other formats of eBooks.
FAQs
What is Philby of Arabia's real name?
Philby of Arabia's real name is Harry St John Bridger Philby. He was also known as Abdullah Philby after he converted to Islam in 1930.
What is the Sykes-Picot Agreement?
The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret deal between Britain and France in 1916 to divide the Middle East into spheres of influence after World War I. It betrayed the promises made to the Arabs for their independence and self-determination.
Who is Ibn Saud?
Ibn Saud was the ruler of Najd and later the king of Saudi Arabia. He was Philby of Arabia's friend and patron. He expanded his territory by conquering Hejaz and consolidating his power as the leader of the Arab world.
Who is Elizabeth Monroe?
Elizabeth Monroe was a British historian, journalist, and diplomat who specialized in the Middle East. She wrote Philby of Arabia's biography in 1973, based on her personal interviews and access to his papers and diaries.
Where can I get a free PDF copy of Philby of Arabia?
You can get a free PDF copy of Philby of Arabia on OpenStax or other websites that offer free PDF books legally and ethically, such as Project Gutenberg, LibreTexts, BookBoon, or Free Christian Books.
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