Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

£2,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books · No longer available

A handsome deluxe issue copy of T.E. Lawrence's classic memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. This edition was limited to 750 copies and was published simultaneously with the first trade edition. Following his extraordinary military and diplomatic career in Arabia, and having already become a legendary figure in the public imagination, T.E. Lawrence purchased his Dorset cottage retreat Clouds Hill in 1924 to write his book about the war. The first draft of Seven Pillars was completed by November 1919, but was soon lost, according to the author, at Reading Station. A second draft was finished during 1922, and finally appeared as a private edition, reflecting Lawrence's love of fine printing, in 1926. 'Subtitled "A triumph", its climax is the Arab liberation of Damascus, a victory which successfully concludes a gruelling campaign and vindicates Lawrence's faith in the Arabs. In a way Seven Pillars is a sort of Pilgrim's Progress, with Lawrence, sustained by his faith in the Arabs, successively overcoming physical and moral obstacles' (ODNB). First trade edition, deluxe issue, limited to 750 copies of which this is 13; 4to (25.5 x 20 cm); folding maps printed in red and black, 54 plates including portrait frontispiece, letter regarding binding inserted to front, slight age-toning to text leaves (as usual), one or two minor spots or marks, otherwise near-fine; modern rust full morocco by Sangorski Sutcliffe, three-line gilt-panelled one-line blind border to covers, spine in 6 compartm

• Binding: Hardcover

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