Books

Hampshire: Castle Hill Press, 1997. Three quarto volumes, quarter buckram and grey papered boards, with the publisher's slipcase. A fine set with the dust-jackets, as issued. Limited edition of 752 sets. Aside from its typographic excellence, the Castle Hill edition of the 1922 text of Seven Pillars of Wisdom fulfils an important historical function. From the blurb: 'few people realise that the text published after Lawrence's death is an abridgement of a much fuller work, completed in 1922. The earlier Seven Pillars is one third longer, containing an additional 83,000 words - equivalent to about 170 pages. It was the longer text which convinced Bernard Shaw and others that Lawrence had written a masterpiece...' Other critics, including Robert Graves and E.M Forster, also preferred the unabridged 1922 text. The two text volumes are accompanied by a third volume of plates, comprising 41 colour portraits from the original oil paintings, soft pastel and chalk portraits by William…

"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.