Books

A first edition, first printing, published by Cape in 1935 - first trade edition. A near fine book in very good (or better) supplied dust wrapper. PRESENTATION COPY FROM LAWRENCE'S GREAT FRIEND, THE WRITER AND ONE OF THE VERY FEW EARLY READERS OF 'SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM', E. M. FORSTER: 'T. H. M from E. M. F in memory of Clouds Hill, July 1935'. This work was published on July 30th, 1935, two months after the death of T. E. Lawrence and E. M. Forster has inscribed it to their mutual friend 'T.H.M' either on, or the day after, publication day and this was followed by Forster's review of this first trade edition which appeared in 'The Listener' magazine on July 31st 1935. The simple, humble inscription in this copy, 'T. H. M from E. M. F in memory of Clouds Hill, July 1935' can be interpreted with much greater depth. Lawrence had purchased his Clouds Hill home whilst stationed at the nearby Bovington Camp. The recipient is Lance Corporal Thomas Henderson Middleton, who served with Lawrence in the Tank Corps, whom Forster would have met during one of his stays at Clouds Hill. Lawrence remembers (in a letter to Bernard and Charlotte Shaw) a group of people in the cottage at one time with Middleton as fighting on the big leather sofa at Clouds Hill with Pat Knowles. Forster's own relationship with Middleton was mentioned in a letter dated 10 December 1925 from Lawrence to E. Palmer: "I went down to Cambridge last Sunday, and there E. M. F. sat, large as life. We talked about you and Middleton, and the world generally. M. writes more letters to him than you do. Then M. always was talkative". It can be traced further through Forster's own correspondence; a letter to Lawrence dated 15 October 1927 indicates the pair's acquaintance: 'I write in bed, it is Edinburgh and the not very early morning. I got here last night, after lecturing to the English Association at Middlesbrough and Darlington. Does Middleton come from Middlesbrough or is that a dream?'. The following year, Forster stayed with Middleton, again writing to Lawrence: 'I stopped a night 10 days ago with Middleton in Barracks at Scarborough. He took a great deal of trouble to make me comfortable - succeeded of course, but that is another and an easier matter'. Forster has inscribed this copy to 'T.H.M from E.M.F' in the same way that Lawrence inscribed his copy: 'E. M. F from T. E. S'. This strong familiarity is clearly evident, along with the importance of their time spent at Clouds Hill with Lawrence, as Forster has considered it remarkable enough to present a copy to this person on this, the publication day, of the first publicly available copy of Lawrence's magnum opus. We are certainly not aware that E. M. Forster took the trouble to present copies of this work to anybody else. Forster would also contribute a chapter to 'T. E. Lawrence by his friends' in the 'Post-War general views'. Forster's final words in this chapter were: 'I do not want to sum T.E up. These are only a few notes, to be added to the common stock. I will finish them by recording that his was pleased by what I wrote to him about the Mint, and that he was also pleased when I helped to sell the proofs of the Seven Pillars for the benefit of another friend of his, to whom he had given them. All these are scraps. The real framework, the place where his spirit will never cease to haunt, is Clouds Hill, and the gay motto over its doorway is the one beneath which I see him at rest.' His final letter to T. E. Lawrence, dated 4th May 1935, is particularly poignant: 'Dear T. E. When would it be possible for you to have me to stop for a few days at Clouds Hill? Would about May the 20th be any good? Yours ever EMF' T. E. Lawrence died from injuries received on May 13th. ASSOCIATION COPIES OF THIS, THE 1935 FIRST TRADE EDITION, ARE VERY SCARCE INDEED AND THIS, FROM HIS CLOSE FRIEND, E. M. FORSTER IS EXCEPTIONAL.

"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.