Books

First edition, first impression. Oriental Assembly contains all the hitherto uncollected writings by Lawrence about the Middle East, including the first publication for the general public of the suppressed introductory chapter of Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The work also includes the diary Lawrence kept during a journey in Northern Syria in 1911, two of his newspaper articles, the preface to the Leicester Gallery catalogue, and 129 photos taken by Lawrence. O'Brien A221. Octavo. Original brown buckram, spine gilt-lettered direct, top edge black, edges trimmed. With dust jacket. Half-tone photographic frontispiece, 76 plates, map, illustrations in text. Spine foot sunned, contents lightly foxed, more so to a few pages; dust jacket unclipped, spine head bumped with small stains, flaps creased at head: a very good copy in near-fine dust jacket.

Oriental Assembly, edited by A.W. Lawrence, offers a unique and intimate look into the mind of T.E. Lawrence, the British officer who became a legendary figure for his role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. While Lawrence is best known for his autobiographical work *Seven Pillars of Wisdom*, *Oriental Assembly* provides a more fragmented and introspective collection of his writings, letters, and reflections. It is a valuable text for understanding not only Lawrence’s thoughts on the Middle East but also his personal struggles with identity, loyalty, and the complexities of Western involvement in Eastern affairs. The title Oriental Assembly evokes the idea of a gathering of Eastern peoples, and the book delves into Lawrence’s perceptions of the Middle East, offering deep reflections on the cultures and peoples of the region. Lawrence’s admiration for the Arabs with whom he fought is evident, but so too is his recognition of the profound difficulties in fully understanding and engaging with Eastern societies from a Western perspective. Throughout the text, Lawrence grapples with the tension between the East and the West, exploring cultural differences, misunderstandings, and the challenge of bridging two very different worlds. At its core, Oriental Assembly is as much about Lawrence’s personal journey as it is about his interactions with the Arab world. The writings in this collection reveal his inner conflicts—his simultaneous loyalty to the British Empire and his commitment to the Arab cause. Although he became a celebrated hero to many Arabs during the revolt, Lawrence's post-war experiences left him disillusioned. He was disheartened by the political realities that emerged following the revolt, where promises of Arab independence were quickly undermined by European powers. These personal and political tensions are a constant theme in *Oriental Assembly*, where Lawrence reflects on his role in the broader events and questions his own motivations and actions. The book also serves as a commentary on the geopolitical situation of the early 20th century, particularly in the context of the Middle East. Lawrence was acutely aware of the way European colonial powers, including Britain and France, manipulated the region for their own strategic interests. His writings suggest a growing sense of frustration with the imperialistic ambitions of the West, as well as a deep respect for the Arab peoples and their struggle for autonomy. In this sense, *Oriental Assembly* offers a critique of Western imperialism while also acknowledging the complexities of the region’s history and politics. As a work of literature, Oriental Assembly is characterized by Lawrence’s distinctive writing style—poetic, rich with detail, and often philosophical in tone. The text is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscapes and peoples of the Middle East, capturing the beauty and harshness of the environment. Lawrence’s introspective nature also comes through in his writing, with a frequent focus on his own feelings of alienation and uncertainty. In many ways, this book is less about the specific historical events of the Arab Revolt and more about Lawrence’s personal quest for meaning, identity, and understanding.