BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Lawrence rarity sells for �18,000

A rare copy of the book that inspired David Lean's classic film Lawrence of Arabia has sold for �18,000 at auction - to a last-minute mystery bidder

The Seven Pillars of Wisdom describes the experiences of TE Lawrence - who was born at Tremadoc near Porthmadog in Gwynedd - during the Arab Revolt in 1922.

The first edition sold is one of 120 published by Lawrence at his own expense in 1922.

The book, which is signed by its previous owner, the Scottish writer Lady Naomi Mitchison, was part of a collection sold in Edinburgh on Saturday by auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull.

"The man rang the saleroom just at the moment that the book was being sold," said spokesman Phillip Gregory.

An illustration from the work
"The person who took his call literally ran upstairs to the auction room to place his bid as the hammer was coming down.

"It was a very dramatic sale.

"The buyer said he had only heard about the sale on a radio bulletin this morning."

Lawrence was one of the most mysterious and glamorous figures of his time.

His exploits in the Hejaz, as described in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, involved him posing as an Arab and leading a column of Arab fighters, with much reckless courage.

Motorcycle death

Lawrence wrote of his capture by the Turks, of their failure to recognise him, and his stunning escape.

The War Office in London was gratified by the admiration he evoked amongst the public but was also embarrassed by his ambiguous role.

Peter O'Toole starred as Lawrence in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.

Lawrence died in a motorcycle crash in 1935.


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