Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

first edition

A handsome copy of T.E. Lawrence's classic memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Following his extraordinary military and diplomatic career in Arabia, and having already become a legendary figure in the public imagination, T.E. Lawrence purchased his Dorset cottage retreat Clouds Hill in 1924 to write his book about the war. The first draft of Seven Pillars was completed by November 1919, but was soon lost, according to the author, at Reading Station. A second draft was finished during 1922, and finally appeared as a private edition, reflecting Lawrence's love of fine printing, in 1926.

'Subtitled "A triumph", its climax is the Arab liberation of Damascus, a victory which successfully concludes a gruelling campaign and vindicates Lawrence's faith in the Arabs. In a way Seven Pillars is a sort of Pilgrim's Progress, with Lawrence, sustained by his faith in the Arabs, successively overcoming physical and moral obstacles' (ODNB).

First trade edition, first impression; 4to (26 x 20 cm); 4 folding maps printed in red and black, 54 plates including portrait frontispiece, bookplate to front pastedown, light occasional spotting; half red morocco by Bumpus, red cloth boards, spine lettered in gilt in six compartments, top edge gilt, others uncut, a little fading and spotting to boards, a very good copy; 672 pp.

O'Brien A042.