The Mint by T. E. Lawrence

London: Jonathan Cape, 1955

A Rare Glimpse into Lawrence's RAF Experience

First UK edition, First impression, trade issue of T.E. Lawrence's "The Mint." This compelling day-book offers an unprecedented insider account of Lawrence's time in the Royal Air Force depot between August and December 1922, enriched with later notes by 352087 A/c Ross. Delayed for nearly three decades in Britain, this publication provides a raw and authentic portrayal of life in the ranks, as seen through the eyes of the legendary Lawrence of Arabia.

Lawrence's ambition to document the lives of ordinary servicemen drove him to enlist in the RAF in 1922. He meticulously recorded his experiences, but his dismissal in 1923, due to unwanted publicity, halted the project. It wasn't until his posting to India in 1927 that he resumed work on "The Mint." In 1928, he shared a refined manuscript with Edward Garnett, who circulated copies among a select group, including Air Marshal Trenchard. Trenchard's response led Lawrence to impose a publication embargo until at least 1950, ensuring sensitive content remained private.

To secure copyright, a limited edition of 50 copies was published in America in 1936. This 1955 UK edition, based on Lawrence's final revisions, was prepared by Jonathan Cape in 1948 but held back until after the death of an officer mentioned critically in the text. This trade issue was released simultaneously with a limited edition, marking the long-awaited public availability of Lawrence's candid and revealing work.