Final stages

By May 1926 the subscribers' edition was entering the final stages of printing. The maps were in hand, and Lawrence had started work on an index. The latter was to be abandoned, most probably because he found the chore too much, but at the start of the synopsis in SP he states 'Half-way through the labour of an index to this book I recalled the practice of my ten years' study of history; and realised I had never used the index of a book fit to read. Who would insult his Decline and Fall, by consulting it just upon a specific point?

'I am aware that my achievement as a writer falls short of every conception of the readable: but surely not so far as to make it my duty, like a Stubbs, to save readers the pain of an unnecessary page. The contents seem to me adequately finger-posted by this synopsis.' There was, however, to be an index of place and personal names in the trade edition of SP when it appeared after his death in 1935, and also a similar combined index in Revolt in the Desert, but compiled by other hands.

Whittingham & Griggs had been scheduled to finish their work on the colour plates by August, but the General Strike had stopped their presses, and they were in no position to promise a completion date.

Lawrence had also acquired his most illustrious subscriber, King George V. An advance cheque had been sent by Sir John Fortescue, Librarian to the King at Windsor Castle, but Lawrence proposed to return the money when the book was ready - 'I'm an old-fashioned person, to whom it seems improper that Kings should buy and sell among their subjects.' (1)

The RAF was sending Lawrence out to India at the end of the year, and because of the continuing delay with the colour printing he had made up his mind that he would despatch the book to subscribers before he went 'whether all the possible pictures are finished or not.' (2) He also told Mrs Hardy that no copies would be going to libraries, 'though British Museum & Bodleian wanted them. Somehow they feel dehumanised, those places.' Already booksellers were prepared to offer £50 for a future copy, 'and it will rise yet further after publication.'

1	L 286, J G Wilson, 25.5.26
2	L 287, Mrs Thomas Hardy, 21.6.26

Next section - Printing ideals

The writing of Seven Pillars of Wisdom - full listing