Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrence of Arabia | 1962 | Alistair MacLean | Buy |
| 2 | Captain Cook | 1972 | Alistair MacLean | Buy |
Alistair MacLean wrote two non-fiction books during his career, both focused on historical figures known for their exploits in remote and dangerous parts of the world. These books sit alongside his thriller output and show the research interests that fed into his fiction.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) covers the life of T.E. Lawrence and his role in the Arab Revolt during World War I. Captain Cook (1972) tells the story of the explorer’s voyages across the Pacific. Both books are relatively short and written in MacLean’s direct, no-frills prose style. They appeal most to readers already familiar with his novels who want to see how he handled factual material.