T.E. Lawrence
LAWRENCE, T. E. Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph. London: Jonathan Cape, 1935.
First trade edition, first impression, and the first edition of Lawrence’s great work published for general circulation. The complete text had previously appeared only in the celebrated privately printed 1926 edition. Published shortly after Lawrence’s death, this became the edition through which Seven Pillars of Wisdom reached a wide readership.
Lawrence’s extraordinary account of the Arab Revolt of 1916-18 combines autobiography, military history, travel and political observation, tracing his experiences as British liaison officer with the Arab forces fighting the Ottoman Empire. It remains one of the most important personal narratives to emerge from the First World War.
Profusely illustrated with portraits, colour plates, facsimiles and four folding maps.
Finely rebound in full rich brown morocco, the boards framed by double gilt fillets with decorative foliate corner tools. The upper board carries the distinctive crossed-swords device in gilt, enclosing Lawrence’s motto, “the sword also means clean-ness & death”. The spine is formed with five raised bands, with the title, author and date lettered in gilt and the remaining compartments elaborately tooled with intricate gilt floral ornament. Finished with striking hand-marbled endpapers.
A handsome presentation of Lawrence’s masterpiece, combining one of the great books of the twentieth century with an exceptional bespoke binding.
