Mint by Lawrence T E, Signed (3 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No jacket. Jonathan Cape, 1955, limited to 2000 copies for sale. Hardback, slip-case, 4to, [ii],206pp. Light foxing/spotting to blank pages. Quarter blue morocco, top edge gilt, slip-case a little tanned and marked. (This an un-number Presentation copy, with printed slip "from G. WREN HOWARD" laid in.) A good copy. /1.2uk . (Please note that our condition gradings are stricter than those of Abebooks and many other sellers. There may therefore be a discrepancy between this description and its listed condition grading).

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Limited Edition. Quarto, 340, VIIpp. Deluxe issue. A fine, fresh copy in the publisher's full grey crushed goatskin morocco, this being copy number 3 of just 50 copies bound thus (of a total limitation of 277 copies, including 27 copies hors commerce). In the publisher's blue cloth and navy velvet-lined slipcase, fine. All edges gilt, silk ribbon, gilt spine title, and marbled endpapers. SIGNED by Jeremy Wilson below his printed name at the close of the Introduction. Lawrence was preparing to publish "The Mint" in 1936, when he unexpectedly died in a motorcycle accident. That version was indeed published in New York in a very limited run of 50 copies for the purposes of securing copyright; it has remained a true rarity of 20th century book collecting. Though a slightly edited version was published in 1955, this represents the true original text, taken unedited from the original manuscript, which publisher Jeremy Wilson had access to in order make this beautiful book. The editors also added and meticulously organized a significant grouping of various writings, mostly from personal journals, containing Lawrence's reflections and experiences as a serviceman in the RAF. Scarce in this handsome binding.

First edition, limited issue of Lawrence's semi-autobiographical account of his R.A.F. training days. Quarto, original quarter morocco, patterned endpapers, top edge gilt with others uncut. One of 2000 numbered copies, this is number 1039. Although not called for this example is signed by A.W. Lawrence on the limitation page (T.E. Lawrence's brother who edited and contributed to introductory notes to this volume). Near fine in the rare original slipcase which is in very good condition. Bookplate. Rare and desirable. Following World War I, despite having previously held a senior rank, Lawrence disappeared from public view by enlisting in the Royal Air Force as 351087 Aircraftman Ross. THE Mint covers his initial training and part of his service, likening RAF training to a coin factory--the men are "The Raw Material" put through "the Mill' that mints them into soldiers. The books was published posthumously according to Lawrence's wishes and shocked many of his contemporaries.