T.E. Lawrence (Contributor). A Brief Record of The Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force under the Command of General Sir Edmund H.H. Allenby. July 1917 to October 1918

Produced by the Government Press and Survey of Egypt, 1919, Cairo

First edition, original buff card wrappers with red cloth spine. A Brief Record of the Advance of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force" stands as a crucial historical document, meticulously detailing the British campaign in Palestine and Syria during the tumultuous years of World War I. Under the command of General Edmund Allenby, the book chronicles the period between July 1917 and October 1918, a time marked by significant military operations and complex political maneuvers within the Middle Eastern theater. It serves as a primary source for understanding the strategic complexities and pivotal events of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, a period that ultimately led to the conquest of these strategically important regions.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of this publication is the inclusion of two articles penned by the enigmatic T.E. Lawrence: "Sherifian Co-operation in September" and "Story of the Arab Movement." These contributions are significant as they represent some of Lawrence's earliest published accounts of the Arab Revolt. Offering firsthand perspectives, they provide invaluable insights into the role of the Arab forces, particularly their innovative guerrilla warfare tactics employed against the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence's writings, derived from his notes for the Arab Bureau, predate his later, more widely known works, making them essential for understanding his evolving perspective on the campaign.

Compiled from official sources and published by the Palestine News, the book was produced by the Government Press and Survey of Egypt in Cairo in 1919. Beyond the textual accounts, the publication is distinguished by its detailed color maps, which vividly illustrate the military advances and the geographical context of the campaign. Additionally, a frontispiece featuring General Allenby adds a personal touch to the official record. Consequently, this publication holds significant interest for historians, collectors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of World War I and its ramifications in the Middle East. It serves as a testament to a pivotal period in history, combining official military documentation with the unique perspective of a key figure in the Arab Revolt.