George H. Doran, New York, 1927, 1^st.  Hard cover, 335 pages followed by fold-out map.  Brown boards with black lettering and graphic on front and spine.  Some corner wear with a bit of fraying; spine wear with a small tear and fraying at head; brown top stain, fore and bottom edge rough cut; a few small stains; binding sound.  No jacket.  Illustrated paste-downs and end papers.  Prior owner’s bookplate on front paste-down and name and address on FEP; some pencil and an erasure on FEP; remainder of interior clean and unmarked; black & white frontis of Lawrence; full page black & white illustrations; pages tanned.  Autobiographical and historical account by British Army Colonel T. E. Lawrence about the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire 1916-1918.

Overview

This1927 first edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence is a remarkable historical and autobiographical work that offers a firsthand perspective on the Arab Revolt during World War I. The narrative combines Lawrence's personal experiences with detailed accounts of military strategy, cultural observations, and political intrigue, providing a vivid portrayal of the complex dynamics in the Middle East during this turbulent period.

Physical Description

The book is bound in sturdy brown boards, adorned with black lettering and an intricate graphic on both the front cover and spine. Despite its age, the book remains in relatively good condition with only moderate signs of wear. The corners show some fraying, and the spine has a small tear near the head, consistent with handling over nearly a century. The top edge is stained brown, while the fore and bottom edges retain their original rough cut. Although there are a few small stains scattered throughout, the binding remains sound and intact.

Illustrations and Features

One of the standout features of this edition is the inclusion of detailed black and white illustrations that accompany the text. The frontispiece features a striking portrait of Lawrence, setting the tone for the narrative. Full-page illustrations enrich the reader’s understanding of key events and characters, while the fold-out map at the end provides valuable geographic context to the Arab Revolt’s campaigns. The illustrated paste-downs and end papers further enhance the book’s aesthetic appeal.

Provenance and Condition Notes

The book bears the mark of a previous owner, with a bookplate affixed to the front paste-down and a handwritten name and address on the front end paper. Some pencil markings and an erasure are also visible on the front end paper, though the remainder of the interior pages are clean, unmarked, and free from annotations. The pages exhibit characteristic tanning consistent with the book’s age, adding a warm patina that collectors often find desirable.

Significance

Seven Pillars of Wisdom is widely regarded as one of the most important works of military history and Middle Eastern studies of the20th century. Lawrence’s vivid storytelling and deep insight into the cultural landscape of the Arab world have cemented this book as a classic. This particular first edition, with its original binding and illustrative content, is a prized possession for collectors and historians alike.

Conclusion

In summary, this1927 George H. Doran first edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom offers not only a captivating narrative of T. E. Lawrence’s exploits but also a well-preserved physical artifact that captures the essence of early 20th-century publishing. Its combination of detailed illustrations, fold-out map, and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any serious library.