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Introduction

Acknowledgements

Notes and abbreviations

Bibliographical description

The book itself

The illustrations

Appendices



The writing of
Seven Pillars of Wisdom

You can read this lengthy section on the writing of Seven Pillars of Wisdom by clicking on each link in turn - further links on each page give the choice of returning to this page or proceeding to the next topic.....

The title
Lawrence as 'architect'
Sub-title
Early plans
First draft
Loss of manuscript
Second draft
Kennington
Third draft
Oxford edition
George Bernard Shaw
Opinions
Abridgement
Illustrations
First publishing plans
Alternatives
Typeface and format
Decisions
Subcriptions
Printers
Slow progress
Costs escalate
Abridgement contract
'Fish yet in the sea'
Revision
RAF again
Text abridged
Final stages
Printing ideals
Skill of printers
'Procrustean labour'
Completion
American edition
Revolt in the Desert
The aftermath
Library copies
Praise
Criticism
Public edition