T.E. LAWRENCE TO HIS BIOGRAPHERS, ROBERT GRAVES AND LIDDELL HART. by Lawrence, T.E - 1963

London: Cassell, 1963. 260 pp, 8vo (8 3/4" H). B&w frontispiece. "Robert Graves and Basil Liddell Hart wrote the only two authorized biographies of T.E. Lawrence during his lifetime. Both knew the man well and at the time of his death on May 11th, 1935, their association with him had grown into understanding based on sympathetic knowledge and respect Yet the two had never met; Lawrence kept his friendships sealed off from one another as far as he was able. While engaged on their biographies, both wrote frequent letters asking him for elucidation of particular events and sent typescripts for his comments and corrections. Liddell Hart met him frequently for informal talks. After Lawrence's death, both made selections from the material in their possession which they thought best illustrated his character and qualities, and in 1939 published them in two companion volumes as a limited edition. Now, twenty-four years later, it is possible to republish these selections in a single volume. (T)hey throw a searching light upon a man who was twice a legend, once in his own lifetime, and now again after his death. Of particular interest is the way Lawrence showed different facets of his chameleon-like character to each of his friends. He said himself that he was more a legion than a man - an oblique reference to the demoniac of Gerasa in the Gospel - and here, placed side by side, is the evidence of two synonymous relationships of remarkably different character. His letters to Liddel Hart are businesslike, graphic, factual: to Graves they are more concerned with self-analysis, but cast a deliberate veil over the inner man, only rarely twitched aside. The total impression is a most persuasive defence against such as Adlington's attempts to explode the Arabian 'legend'. They build up a strong impression of Lawrence's particular talents, his remarkable achievements, his enigmatic personality." Previous owner's name stamp at top of both pastedown end papers, small store label at bottom of front pastedown, light patches of liquid staining on top of text block, minor soiling on bottom of text block, minor edge wear. Dust jacket has light edge wear/wrinkling - mainly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, tiny tear at bottom of rear hinge, light rubbing, minor soiling. . Hard Cover. Very Good -/Very Good -.