(London: Jonathan Cape, 1938).

AN IMPORTANT FIRST EDITION. The letters of T.E. Lawrence from 1906-1935, from early work in archaeology, through the Arab revolt, the writing of Seven Pillars of Wisdom and ending the year of his death in 1935.
The ultimate aim of Garnett was to allow Lawrence to tell his own story, as much as possible. He has included Lawrence’s private letters as well as official ones to give a complete portrayal of his life. Garnett took over this project when E.M. Forster felt “he could not go on with it” and thus was aided by his notes.
Lawrence’s interest in archaeology lasted from his childhood to the time of his death. These letters reflect this interest and his intellectual development over the years. Because Lawrence had many friends of diverse interest and background, his correspondence is complex and revealing. He was a very good correspondent and the substance of his writing “destroys the mystery of Larwence and establishes more firmly his titles to greatness--not only as a soldier and a writer--not because of what he did, but because of what he was.” [dustjacket] Included are letters to Lloyd George, Bernard Shaw, Lady Astor, E.M. Forster, Noel Coward, Yeats, and Churchill. Item #33727

First edition. 16 photographs and illustrations including 4 maps of which two are folding. 8vo, publisher’s original fawn polished buckram, lettered in gilt on the spine. 896 pp. A very fine copy but for the most minimal evidence of age, the cloth in pleasing condition, the hinges tight and strong, the gilt bright, the text-block clean.