TE Lawrence. First American Trade Edition, second printing. New York: Doubleday, Doran and Company, 1936. Unclipped dust jacket (in a Mylar wrapper) and hardcover are both in Very Good+ condition. Still has the original price $5.00 on inside flap. Jacket has a small piece missing on top/bottom of spine. No writing or markings found in this well-preserved copy, 672 pp. Considered a rare copy in this condition.
T. E. Lawrence’s monumental memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, chronicles his role in the 1916–1918 Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule during World War I. Blending military strategy, gripping desert raids, and deep psychological insight, Lawrence weaves together detailed battlefield accounts, vivid landscapes, and introspective reflections. He captures the cultural complexities of Arab leadership, tribal dynamics, and the burdens of command. The work explores themes of identity, heroism, the costs of war, and conflicted loyalties. Its lavish descriptions and philosophical depth cement the book not only as a historical record but as a literary masterpiece—often regarded as one of the greatest English-language autobiographical works. Published posthmously.
*Seven Pillars Publishing History*
Here’s the timeline for Seven Pillars of Wisdom so you can see where this copy fits:
1922 – “Oxford Text”: An early private edition (~8 copies) produced in Oxford. Virtually unobtainable.
1926 – Subscriber’s Edition: About 211 copies, privately printed and lavishly illustrated. Rare and very valuable.
1935 – “Revolt in the Desert” (abridged version): Published in both UK and US, a shortened version of Seven Pillars.
1935/1936 – First Trade Edition: After Lawrence’s death (1935), Seven Pillars of Wisdom was first issued for the general public by Jonathan Cape (UK, 1935) and Doubleday, Doran (US, 1936).
