[Lawrence, T.E.]

folio (285 x 190mm.), first edition (first American copyright edition), number "9 UK" of 50 copies, title-page printed in red and black, original half vellum with blue boards, top edge gilt, collector's chemise and black morocco-backed slipcase, minor scratches to binding, minor mark to spine, head and foot of spine very slightly bumped

A.W. Lawrence, ownership signature; Lt.-Col. Ralph H. Isham, sold at Christie's New York, 17 May 1989, lot 115

O'Brien A166

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of the great rarities in the bibliography of T.E. Lawrence.

To secure American copyright fifty copies were printed in America (of which ten were for sale at $500,000 which was intended to prevent sale). It appears, although unrecorded by O'Brien, that a number of copies were in the possession of Lawrence's brother. He noted "The property of A.W. Lawrence | c/o Tamplin & Co., Solicitors | 52 Bishopsgate | London, E.C." on the publisher's imprint page. He appears to have had at least three copies which were later given away:

Copy "6 UK"
Later "lent to Siegfried Sassoon for as long as he likes" by A.W. Lawrence (Sotheby's, 17 December 2008, lot 119)

Copy "9 UK"
[The present copy]. Later apparently presented to Lt.-Col. Ralph H. Isham by A.W. Lawrence (see Christie's New York, 17 May 1989, lot 115). A carbon copy of a typed letter (22 June 1937) is included in this lot, addressed to "Dear Arnold" this reads "My delight at having a copy of 'The Mint' is inexpressible! Its loan was a truly magnificent wedding present..."

Copy "11 UK"
Later given to E.M. Forster by A.W. Lawrence (Sotheby's, 11 July 1996, lot 332)

The verso of the front free endpaper in the present copy is annotated "The property of A.W. Lawrence". Above this, at a later date, he has added "This has ceased to be" and this is signed "A.W.L." Also included in this lot are a number of newspaper clippings, including two copies of the review by Henry Seidel Canby for The Saturday Review in November 1936. Canby reviewed the work using a copy deposited in the Library of Congress.