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One of 750 copies of the limited trade edition. Bound in quarter tan pig-skin over brown cloth, gilt titles to the spine and ornament to the front board. Top-edge gilt and marbled end papers. 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. A Near Fine copy with just slight wear to the binding. A remarkably accurate military history interwoven with heroic adventure and spiritual insight, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was itself an epic in its creation given Lawrence's multiple manuscripts and drafts that slowed the final release for almost a decade. During the process, Lawrence remained grateful to his subscribers and guaranteed that there would be no library or review copies in his lifetime; and he worked to ensure that each copy in the subscribers' edition would be unique. The release of the trade edition in 1935 made his epic narrative accessible to the public and cemented his reputation in the modern imagination. Near Fine.

"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.