Books

LIMITED EDITION. 'No. 84' of 80 sets (of 752), numbered 21-100, in full-goatskin, and issued in an off-white cloth-bound slipcase. Three volumes, numbered in Volume II. Spine height: 28.8cm. Trimmed page size 282 x 200mm. Vol. I: Introduction and Books I-V, 456 pages. Vol. II: Books VI-X, editorial notes, 456 pages. Typeset by Castle Hill Press in Caslon, Lawrence's preferred typeface. Printed by Cambridge University Press on 80g.s.m. Supreme Bookwove, a high-quality acid-free off-white book paper, and bound by The Fine Bindery in full Oxford-blue Harmatan goatskin. Hand-marbled endpapers by Ann Muir, using an unusual double-marbling process. Bound in full Oxford-blue goatskin, head and tail bands. Vol. III: Illustrations and parallel text of the introductory book. Illustrations, 152 pages: Part I (in colour) The Seven Pillars Portraits. Part II a selection from Lawrence's collection of war photographs. Printed by the Burlington Press, bound in quarter blue goatskin with off-white cloth sides, bound with: Parallel text of the introductory book: An 88-page parallel text showing two versions of the Introductory Book of Seven Pillars. The left-hand pages reproduce Lawrence's revised text as sent to Bernard and Charlotte Shaw on 27 September 1924, and right-hand pages show the final text of the subscribers' abridgement. The parallel text displays exactly what changes were made as a result of advice from Bernard Shaw and others, and settles once and for all the argument about the possible scale of Shaw's alterations to Seven Pillars. Portfolio of proof portraits: the three volumes are accompanied by a cloth-bound portfolio of proofs of the Seven Pillars portraits, interleaved with Japanese paper. A set in Fine condition in a Fine slipcase and with Fine bindings. 2 volumes, folio (282 x 196mm), pp. I: [i]-[xxii], [1]-433, [1 (blank)]; II: [10 (preliminaries)], [435]-879, [1 (acknowledgements)]; original full Oxford-blue crushed morocco by The Fine Bindery, spines divided into compartments by raised bands, gilt-lettered directly in 2 and at the foot of the spine, turn-ins roll-tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Second edition, no. 84 of 80 sets in full goatskin, from an edition of 752. [ With, as issued:] T.E. LAWRENCE. Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Illustrations. Fordingbridge: The Burlington Press for Castle Hill Press, 1997. Pp. [6 (half-title, frontispiece, title, colophon, contents, list of illustrations)], [2 (list of photographs)]; 21 colour-printed plates with illustrations recto-and-verso after Augustus John, Eric Kennington, William Roberts, et al., one double-page, and 52 half-tone plates with illustrations recto-and-verso (acknowledgements on final verso). First edition thus. [Bound with, as issued:] T.E. LAWRENCE. Introduction to Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The Text of the Sample Proof of Chapters I-VIII as Circulated by Lawrence in September 1924 together with the Equivalent Text from the 1926 Edition, Showing the Amendments Made on the Advice of Bernard Shaw and Others. Fordingbridge: The Burlington Press for Castle Hill Press, 1997. Pp. [2 (blank l.)], [6 (half-title, verso blank, title, colophon, contents, preface)], 81, [1 (blank)]. 2 works bound in one volume, folio (282 x 200mm). Original dark-blue crushed morocco backed buckram by The Fine Bindery, top edges gilt, photographic endpapers. First edition, no. 31 of 80 copies, signed and numbered by the editor. [And, as issued with the de luxe sets:] Illustrations to Seven Pillars of Wisdom. [Fordingbridge: Castle Hill Press, 1997]. Title-leaf, 2 folding colour-printed maps, 40 proof portraits after John, Kennington, Roberts, et al. printed by Hostench, each numbered in pencil on the verso and interleaved with tissue guards, and printed note with Castle Hill Press letterhead about the maps, slipcase, and proof portraits; all loose as issued in cloth portfolio. Each proof portrait number 84 of 250. Second (first published) edition of the 1922 text, set no. 84.

"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.