Books

The Cranwell (Subscribers') edition; 66 plates and 58 illustrations within the text; blue crushed morocco, unsigned but likely by Tout, spine gilt in compartments with 5 raised bands, simple gilt panelling to boards, pictorial endpapers, housed in a red crushed morocco folding case; 659pp. A beautiful copy of the Cranwell Edition, one of only 170 complete copies initialled 'complete' by Lawrence on page XIX, with a tipped-in autograph letter from Lawrence to fellow First World War soldier Francis Rodd, 2nd Baron Rennell, the first owner of this copy, discussing whether he would receive the Cranwell or regular edition. And with 'Some Notes on the Writing of the Seven Pillars of Wisdom' by T.E. Shaw, which was often used as a prospectus for Seven Pillars. This copy, in common with most complete copies, has page XV mis-paginated as VIII, and Kennington's coloured landscape tail-piece ('False Quiet') at the end of page XVIII. The 'Prickly Pear' plate is included, but as usual not the two Paul Nash line drawings putatively called for on pages 92 ('The prophet's tomb') and 208 ('A garden'), or the Blair Hughes-Stanton wood-engraving that in some copies illustrated the dedicatory poem. Seven Pillars of Wisdom is Lawrence's epic masterpiece, in which he 'reveals how by sheer willpower he made history' (ODNB). 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 of Wisdom was completed by November 1919, but soon lost, according to the author, on Reading Station. A second draft was finished during 1922, and finally appeared as a private edition, reflecting Lawrence's love of fine printing, in the present form in 1926. An abridged version, Revolt in the Desert, was published in 1927. '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 as Christian, a figure sustained by his faith in the Arabs, successively overcoming physical and moral obstacles.' (ODNB). Francis James Rennell Rodd, second Baron Rennell (1895–1978) 'was formally educated at Eton College and, for a year, at Balliol College, Oxford, which he left in September 1914 to join the Royal Field Artillery. He served in France in 1914–15 but was then seconded to intelligence duties in Italy, in 1916. In 1917 he became a staff officer in the Middle East and served in Libya, Sinai, Egypt, Palestine, and Syria; finally he became staff captain, Arab bureau, at Damascus. He earned a mention in dispatches and was awarded the Italian order of St Maurice and Lazarus' (ODNB). After the war he briefly joined the diplomatic service and then spent the rest of his career as a banker. 'As a youth Rennell had been 'extremely beautiful' (Hastings, 81), and he remained a striking man. However, he was reserved, and his sister-in-law, Nancy Mitford, painted an unsympathetic picture of him as the pompous Luke in her novel Pigeon Pie (1940); his colleagues at the RGS, while recognizing that he could be brusque and even formidable, also remembered his tremendous flourish of a large and gaily-coloured handkerchief after taking snuff' (ODNB). The tipped-in letter from Lawrence to Rennell is dated November 6th, 1925. Lawrence begins by discussing Rennell's offer of his London flat for Lawrence's use: 'Your offer of the flat is uncommonly kind: it hit me close: but my affairs don't point to my being able to use it much. Week-ends at Cranwell are only alternate Saturday nights.' He goes on to explain that 'You shall have, since you want it, a copy of the new text: but it will be one of the plain texts, complete in every way as regards the letterpress, but short in the illustrations. Most people.'

"Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is an autobiographical account by T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, chronicling his experiences during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I. Lawrence, an English scholar and military officer, played a pivotal role in leading Arab forces in their revolt against Ottoman rule. The narrative begins with Lawrence's journey across the Arabian desert, delving into the complexities of Arab tribal politics, culture, and the landscape. It highlights his efforts to unite disparate Arab factions under a common cause — the fight for independence against Ottoman domination. Lawrence's narrative captures his personal involvement in the revolt, including his leadership in successful guerrilla campaigns, attacks on Ottoman supply lines, and strategic warfare alongside Arab leaders such as Emir Faisal and Sherif Ali. His tactics emphasized surprise attacks and mobility, making use of the desert terrain to outmaneuver the Ottoman forces. The title "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" references Lawrence's description of the varied aspects that formed his beliefs and guiding principles during this tumultuous time. These "pillars" represent themes such as courage, loyalty, diplomacy, military strategy, and the challenges faced in reconciling conflicting interests among the Arab tribes. The book delves into Lawrence's reflections on the moral dilemmas inherent in war, the challenges of leadership, and his own psychological struggles. It offers a vivid portrayal of the harsh desert landscape, the Arab culture, and the alliances and betrayals within the Arab tribes and among the European powers vying for control in the region. Lawrence's prose is rich with detailed descriptions, historical insights, and intimate observations of the people and places he encountered. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" remains not just a historical document but also a literary masterpiece that provides a profound understanding of the Arab Revolt and the intricate socio-political dynamics of the Middle East during World War I.