Early plans

The idea of writing a book on his Arabian campaigns had obviously been in Lawrence's mind for some time before the end of the war - there are foretastes of the work in his Arab Bulletin reports, and outlines of some descriptive passages scribbled on official message pads during the conflict still survive. But one of the earliest published references to his intentions was in a letter to C M Doughty, written in December 1918 - 'It has been a wonderful experience, and I have got quite a lot to tell.

'I'm afraid it is not likely to be written for publication, since some of it would give offence to people alive, (including myself!) but I hope to get it put on paper soon.' (1)

Charles Doughty and his book Arabia Deserta had been an early and considerable influence on Lawrence, who once asked the great man what was the inspiration for his Arabian journey and subsequent writings. Robert Graves believes that Doughty's reply - 'to redeem the English language from the slough into which it had fallen since the time of Spenser' - created an impression on Lawrence which accounted for 'his furious keying-up of style' in SP. (2)

It was through his interest in Arabia Deserta that Lawrence became involved with two other people who were to become his friends and key figures in the story of SP - Jonathan Cape and Edward Garnett. Cape worked for Lee Warner of the Medici Society, to whom Lawrence had suggested a reprint of Arabia Deserta, and when Cape and Wren Howard set up their own publishing house in January 1921, Arabia Deserta became the company's first production, bearing the joint imprint of Medici and Jonathan Cape. Edward Garnett, an admirer of Doughty's work, had suggested the book to Cape, and subsequently became a reader for the new firm.

1	L 108, C M Doughty, 25.12.18
2	Biog G, p 3

Next section - First draft

The writing of Seven Pillars of Wisdom - full listing