First Edition, Second Impression. London: Jonathan Cape, 1935. The 1st impression was published for private circulation in 1926 and the second impression was printed for general circulation.
672pp. Hardback with brown buckram cloth binding. Embossed gilt illustration and lettering to the front board. Gilt lettering to the spine. Original dustjacket is not included. Rough cut edges. Frontispiece and 47 photogravure plates in monochrome illustrated throughout. Two maps throughout. Some slight foxing on opening pages and on page edges. Faded on front board.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence is one of the most extraordinary autobiographical works of the 20th century. This acclaimed memoir recounts Lawrence’s role as a British Army officer and military advisor to the Bedouin tribes during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire from 1916 to 1918. It is both a significant historical document and an exhilarating adventure narrative, offering readers a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating and brutal campaigns of the First World War.
Lawrence masterfully details the shifting alliances, daring raids, and harsh realities of desert warfare, all set against the backdrop of a crumbling empire and rising Arab nationalism. The book not only captures the strategic brilliance and political intrigue of the revolt but also explores the personal conflicts and cultural tensions faced by Lawrence himself as he navigated loyalty, identity and duty. Rich in vivid detail and introspective commentary, it stands as a timeless testament to courage, leadership and the complexity of war.
Winston Churchill famously hailed Seven Pillars of Wisdom as ranking “with the greatest books ever written in the English language.” Perfect for readers of military history, political memoirs and classic literature, this is a work that endures for both its historical importance and its unforgettable storytelling.
