Books

The very scarce Uncorrected Proofs, with the ownership initials of Walter John Armytage (1913-1980) to initial bifolium, and his pencil amendment to the contents page, a correction observed in the published book suggesting involvement with the publishers. A scion of one of Ireland's noble families (their seat was Halston House in Moyvore, County Westmeath), Armytage was a passionate book collector with an extensive library. Oriental Assembly contains hitherto unpublished writings by Lawrence about the Middle East, including a diary kept on his journey through Northern Syria in 1911 collecting antiquities for the Ashmolean Museum, and the suppressed introductory chapter to 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'. Octavo. Twenty-one bundless of bifolia, comprising 292 pages of text and illustrations/plates including several blank pages for lists of illustrations to be added later, loose in a contemporary cloth-covered portfolio. With contents and collation as stated in O'Brien. Some edges rough-trimmed. The XIX diary plates and 111 war photographs present as called for, as well as a portrait of Lawrence by R. G. Goslett standing in the desert in full arab dress intended as the frontispiece and titled as such but not used in the published edition which instead featured an image of Lawrence's camels. Minor wear and spotting to edges of some leaves; near fine overall. Together with the First Edition, First Impression of the English Trade Edition. Same provenance as the Uncorrected Proofs, with an interesting pencil note signed, dated (1939) and initialled by Armytage on the front free endpaper: "These photogtaphs were all identified by me at the Imperial War Museum & the proofs compared with the originals and the negatives. I searched for Seal-Hunting in Mesopotamia (see p.3) through long runs of various periodicals in the British Museum without success". Octavo. Original brown, buckram-covered boards titled in gilt to spine, top edge stained black. Covers slightly bowed, foxing to fore-edge and sporadically to contents, small mark on the spine, otherwise a lovely bright copy. The dust jacket has a few minor spots and abrasions but is overall a superb example. Photographic frontispiece among more than a hundred photos taken by Lawrence. Loosely inserted is a fine copy of the prospectus for Lawrence's 'Secret Despatches from Arabia': single leaf folded, white laid paper, lower edge deckled. A lovely set in fine or near fine condition. [O Brien A220, A221, A227].

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.