Books

Limited edition, number 68 of 80 sets in full morocco; 3 volumes, 4to (29 x 21 cm); 128 plates including frontis, 40 full colour illustrations and 80 duotone photographs, 2 folding colour maps loose in protective folder; two text volumes in publisher's full blue morocco, gilt lettering to spine in 6 compartments, gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt, with plate volume in publisher's blue morocco backed cloth boards, top edge gilt, and folder of maps, all in publisher's cloth slip-case, slipcase a little rubbed otherwise a fine extravagant set; xxii, 433; [10], (435)-879, [1]; [4], [6], 81pp. The complete facsimile text of the fabled Oxford 1922 printing of Seven Pillars, with the 48 plates which accompanied the 1926 Subscriber's issue, and 80 photographs of Lawrence and the Bedouin tribes largely from the Imperial War Museum. This work was the first time the 1922 Pillars was published outside of that original private run commissioned by Lawrence. A third longer than the commercial edition of 1926, the 1922 printing was seen by publishers as 'a direct commercial threat to the highly profitable investment they had already made.' This meant no commercial publisher undertook publishing the 1922 text until Castle Hill Press in 1997. Jeremy Wilson (1944-2017), widely considered the leading authority in Lawrence, was the editor and sought to create the ultimate definitive text. Basing the text on Lawrence's corrected Oxford Times proof, this was cross-referenced with the Bodleian Library manuscript. Also restored were the printer's omissions not corrected by Lawrence, and the hundreds of amendments made by Lawrence to his own copy of the printed text. This resulted in a version superior to either the 1922 Oxford proofs and the original manuscript.

"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.