Books

4 volumes. THE MOST EXQUISITE AND MOST BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED OF THE LIMITED EDITION COPIES of the 1922 Oxford text. THE FIRST EDITION of the Oxford 1922 text ever to be made available to the general public. ONE OF ONLY 80 specially bound hand-numbered copies accompanied with an "Illustrations Volume" including also the 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, and a "Proofs and Maps" collection in an additional portfolio. There were only 752 copies printed in total of which the greatest number were of two volumes only, bound in cloth and boards. This set of four volumes specially bound is a rare bird indeed, and a set with pleasing provenance, the copy of St. John Armitage who is greatly acknowledged for his help with transliteration and translation of Arabic phrases. The 80 hand-numbered copies are supplied with a separate volume of beautifully reproduced illustrations from the renowned "Subscribers Edition" of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, this volume also contains the text 'INTRODUCTION TO SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM, which is the text from the sample proof chapters circulated by Lawrence in 1924 together with the same text from the 1926 edition showing the amendments made on the advice of George Bernard Shaw. This special set also includes a separate portfolio with a set of proofs of the Seven Pillars portraits, with Japanese paper guards between. This portfolio also contains the two folding maps which were included in a pocket in the lesser cloth-bound sets. The set of text volumes, the volume of illustrations and the rear of each of the proof portraits are all numbered '93' by hand. 4to, the text of Seven Pillars being in the magnificent binding for 80 copies only of full dark-blue crushed goatskin by the Fine Bindery with lavishly gilt decorated turn-ins over hand-marbled endpapers by Ann Muir, the spines of the volumes with handsome raised bands tastefully ruled in blind, and gilt lettered in three compartments, a.e.g. The illustrations volume in half dark-blue goatskin over white linen and the proof illustrations and maps in a white linen portfolio with blue paper pocket. The special portfolio made only for these special sets is of white linen covered boards with Japanese vellum sheets placed between each proof portrait. [xx], 433; [434]-879, [1]; Plates 1 - 127, [1], 81; maps and proofs pp. A perfect set, everything is as mint and exactly as should be with no evidence of use or age whatsoever, even the white linen slipcase only shows the merest of shelving on the bottom and one side which would be imperceptible on any other color but white. AN EXTRAORDINARY AND TRULY FINE BOOK PRODUCTION OFFERED IN ITS MOST HIGHLY LIMITED FORMAT. THE FIRST EDITION OF LAWRENCE'S 1922 TEXT EVER TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. This hand-numbered set is not only presented in very special and fine goatskin bindings but contains many additions not included in the less limited copies. T.E. Lawrence's original 1922 text was nearly a third longer than that which was issued in 1935 as the "Complete and Unabridged" text. Lawrence's official biographer, Jeremy Wilson, spearheaded this ambitious project at the Castle Hill Press in order to finally bring that text to the public. The text provided here is taken from Lawrence's manuscript copy in the Bodleian Library and T. E. Lawrence's annotated copy of the 1922 Oxford Times printing. Added here are a significant number of photographs, special maps and proof illustrations and the various writings of the Introduction to Seven Pillars. Lawrence's personal narrative of the revolt of Arab armies against the Turks during the First World War, SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM stands as a monument of modern literature and history. Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill both described the book as one of the great.

"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.