SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM

London: Jonathan Cape, 1935. First published edition, an early August issue printed within days of the first issue. With many black and white photos and drawings, and maps throughout, complete as called for. 4to, publisher’s original polished buckram lettered and decorated in gilt, upper cover with crossed swords motif in gilt. 672. A very pleasing copy, the gilt and cloth still in excellent order, the textblock clean and tight, the hinges in fine condition. SCARCE FIRST EDITION, EARLY ISSUE IN VERY FINE CONDITION. Lawrence, in relating the history of his involvement in the Arab revolt against Ottoman rule during the First World War, produced a true literary classic. Winston Churchill said of the book, "[It] ranks with the greatest books ever written in the English language." Its fame was further secured by Hollywood: "Lawrence of Arabia," starring Peter O'Toole, was based upon the book. This is a splendid, handsome copy of an enduring masterpiece.
A 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 described the book as one of the greatest of our time.
All earlier printings were private and done with very low limitations on the printing, thus they are now very scarce. This is the first edition that was printed for general circulation.