Lawrence of Marrakech

T.R. Lawrence's colorful account and images of his times spent in Marrakech during an era when tourists were a rarity and importing Moroccan goods was even more rare is captivating, moving, and educational. T.R. brings the reader with him on his journey, from the eye-opening adventures he experiences during his first visit — which was intended to be a casual surf vacation — through the relationships he built there and the successful business that ensued. The inside look at every day Moroccan life coupled with his adventurous, warm, and inquisitive spirit brings the culture of this city in the heart of Morocco to life. He details the warmth and customs of the local setting, along with the quirks of doing business in a far away land that was, at that time, undiscovered.
—Corinne Gaffner Garcia, Managing Editor of Western Art & Architecture

T.R. Lawrence’s enthralling book on shopping the Marrakesh, Morocco souk took me back 20 years. …He surfed the souk and was able to resurrect in words the sounds, excitement, smells, mystery and magic of the famed Marrakesh souk adjacent to the three-ring- circus Jemma-el-Fna square… It is a great read.
— Landt Dennis, Author of LIVING IN MOROCCO: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh.

“Lawrence of Marrakesh” is the story of TR Lawrence’s passion for Moroccan textiles and the many adventures to which that passion leads. Set against the sights, the sounds, and the smells of Marrakesh, in all their beauty and rawness, it ranges from the manicured gardens of the luxurious Mamounia Hotel to the dark, narrow alleyways of old town. And of course, there are the busy souks. It is a fascinating story, well told. As you will learn, no one visits the markets of Marrakesh without a guide. Let Lawrence be yours.”
—D R Baker, Author of “The Devil’s Money”