Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
London: Jonathan Cape, 1935. 4to. 672 pp., including half-title and appendix. FIRST TRADE EDITION. With 53 plates and 4 folding maps. Publisher’s brown cloth, gilt-stamped cover, slightly worn; text is clean and bright. A very good uncut copy. Item #17200
First trade edition. Seven pillars is the memoir of Thomas Edward Lawrence, the legendary Lawrence of Arabia, when he was serving as liaison officer of the British Army with rebel forces during the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks of 1916 to 1918. Famously, Lawrence lost his briefcase containing the original manuscript for the work and had to rewrite most of the book from memory. A thrilling tale of intrigue and war, Lawrence’s detailed prose carries one on an epic tale through war-torn desert landscapes introducing the reader to a colorful cast of characters along the way. Perfect for collectors interested in military history and strategy.
Lawrence (1888–1935) is one of the most famous figures in English history. A British intelligence and RAF officer, Lawrence was lauded for his service and invited by Winston Churchill “to join the new Middle East department.” Despite being born to an illegitimate union, Lawrence grew up in a comfortable and pious home, where he nurtured his scholastic inclinations. While studying history at Jesus College in Oxford he developed an interest in medieval warfare and archaeology. This led him to excavations in Syria for the British Museum and paved the way for his famous diplomatic and military exploits in the Middle East. Lawrence was also an author “deeply concerned with posterity” and actively promoted his war-hero reputation during his lifetime. While some of the more fantastical moments in his stories are known to be exaggerated, they nonetheless make for an exciting read.
Price: $1,250.00