The Mint. A Day-book of the R.A.F. Depot between August and December 1922, and at Cadet College in 1925 by 35207 A/c Ross. (A.W. Lawrence & Robin Buxton's copy) by Lawrence, T.E - 1936

Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Doran & Company, 1936. True first edition, one of an edition of just 50 copies published to establish copyright, only 10 of which were for sale, priced at $500,000 this copy numbered UK 5 (a reserved copy owned by A.W. Lawrence, T.E.'s brother) . Strictly limited edition; original half vellum over plain blue boards, top edge gilt, others uncut, black morocco gilt-lettered spine label. In blue cloth slipcase. Number UK 5, this copy has an interesting history, being loaned to Robin Buxton, TE' s banker by A.W. Lawrence, Buxton loaned it for reading to William Rothenstein and laid in is a letter from Rothestein about the book, then passed to Lionel Curtis of All Souls. All this is documented in a letter with the book. Contained in a solander bax that closely matches the books binding. Arnold Walter Lawrence was the youngest brother of T.E.Lawrence and his literary executor. "One of Lawrence's avowed purposes in joining the RAF was to write of the ranks from the inside. He began immediately making notes when he enlisted in 1922. With his dismissal in January 1923, because of unfavourable publicity, the project was set aside, not to be taken up again until he was posted to India in 1927. In March 1928 he sent a clean copy of the revised text to Edward Garnett [who] had copies typed which were circulated to a small circle, among them Air Marshal Trenchard. Trenchard's concerned response led Lawrence to guarantee that it would not be published at least until 1950." (O'Brien) The manuscript eventually found its way to America in 1936 and "in order to control publication, it was found necessary to have a copyright edition published" - only 50 copies, of which only 10 were for sale. The text varies from the 1955 edition. Fine condition [O'Brien A166]. The prohibitive price placed on this edition by Lawrence is equivalent - at a conservative estimate - to around $8m in current purchasing power. One of the most elusive and scarce of all TE Lawrence volumes.. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Slipcase. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.