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First trade edition, first printing. Finely bound by The Chelsea Bindery in full brown morocco, gilt crossed swords device to the upper board, five raised bands and titles in gilt to the spine. Triple gilt ruled inner dentelles, marbled endpapers. Top edge gilt. Illustrated with a black and white portrait frontispiece, 53 additional plates, and 4 maps by Eric Kennington, William Rothenstein, Augustus John, William Roberts and others. The binding is square and firm, the contents with occasional light spotting to the margins of some text pages are otherwise clean throughout. A beautifully presented example of the first publicly available edition published immediately after the author's death. The publication of this complete text is preceded by the very limited privately printed 'subscriber's' or 'Cranwell' edition of 1926. This first trade edition includes 3 illustrations not previously published. (O'Brien A042). Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.

"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.