Lawrence, T.E.

8vo (252 x 195mm.), first state of the prospectus for the subscribers' edition of "Seven Pillars of Wisdom", original off-white wrappers, in original mailing envelope (postmarked London 28 April 1925) addressed to Lt. Col. R.V. Buxton D.S.O., collector's green morocco-backed folding box, extremities of envelope frayed

Colonel P.L. Bradfer-Lawrence (1917-2005), member of the Roxburghe Club, sold at Sotheby's, 13 July 2006, lot 241

O'Brien A035

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."

Robert ("Robin") Buxton's copy of the prospectus containing eight chapters of Seven Pillars of Wisdom. O'Brien notes that "about 100 copies were circulated in 1924 to friends and prospective purchasers of Seven Pillars. It served as an elaborate prospectus for the 1926 edition, showing format, paper, and type" (O'Brien). The first chapter was later suppressed by Lawrence on the advice of Bernard Shaw. Since publication of O'Brien's work, the number of circulated copies is thought to be only around 10 copies.

Robin Buxton (1883-1953) served in the Imperial Camel Corps and spent several weeks operating behind Turkish lines during the Arab Revolt. It was his Camel Corps Unit which finally succeeded in capturing the important station at Mudawara in August 1918. After the war Buxton was Lawrence's bank manager, and was involved in the financing of the subscriber's edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom.