Library copies

Lawrence had meanwhile relented over the library copies, sending books both to Dr A E Cowley, Librarian at the Bodleian, Oxford, and to Dr F G Kenyon, Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum. The books were followed by similar letters to both recipients, setting out certain conditions: that the book was to remain the personal property of the Librarian for two years; that it was to be returned to Hogarth, should a copy be received from elsewhere during those two years; that after this time it became the property of the library, but until the book was reprinted after Lawrence's death it should only be made available to readers with some other motive than personal curiosity.

He apologised in similar terms in both letters for 'making a mountain out of what is only a fat book. But, after all, in cases of private printing a fellow can do what he likes with his own book.' [Kenyon, 1.VI.27] He also remarked to both Librarians on the problems he would cause for future cataloguers of his work, writing to Dr Cowley, [19.V.27], 'God help the catalogue with me, some day, for not even Lawrence is the correct and authentic name which I will eventually have to resume. I've published as Lawrence, as Shaw, as Ross: and will, probably eventually publish as C', [a reference to his father's true family name, Chapman]. The British Library has, in fact, chosen Lawrence as his main catalogue heading, while in the Bodleian he is listed under Shaw.

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The writing of Seven Pillars of Wisdom - full listing