Lawrence of Arabia : The Authorized Biography of T E Lawrence (Signed)

London, UK: Issued Privately By Arrangement with William Heinemann, 1989. Limited Edition . Hardcover. Fine/Fine. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. From a limited edition of 56 copies, this being No. 36. Two volumes, both handsomely quarter bound in deep green Nigerian goatskin, with five raised bands and gilt lettering to spine, over cream tweed cloth, top edges gilt. Both volumes signed by the author on the title page. Volume one: xii, 568pp; Volume two; 569-1188pp. Sparsely illustrated. Presented in a green cloth-covered slipcase (slipcase very slightly rubbed on one edge). Also included in the slipcase in a deep green cloth-covered strong, folding portfolio which contains a number of documents issued with the biography (i) a specimen chapter of the final typesetting proof (ii) several copies of an appeal by A W Lawrence, T E Lawrence's heir and literary executor, for assistance in providing information and access to documents on behalf of T E Lawrence's authorised biographer, Jeremy Wilson (iii) a National Portrait Gallery postcard publicising the biography upon publication in 1988 and (iv) a copy of an essay by Jeremy Wilson entitled Authorised Biographer: The Research and Writing of Lawrence of Arabia, from an edition limited to seventy numbered copies, this being No. 36, signed by the author on the title page. The portfolio contains further related documents which were not issued with the biography, namely: a bound copy of an address given by Mr John Griffith at St Nicholas' Church, Moreton on 19th May 1985 to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of T E Lawrence (inside which someone has written 'Given to me by Jeremy M Wilson, Authorised Biographer of T E Lawrence, Woodgreen Common, April 12th 1987'; a copy of the dust jacket which covered the Heinemann trade edition of Wilson's biography; and three folded leaflets issued by Castle Hill Press promoting and describing various T E Lawrence publications, including the release of the complete 1922 text of Seven Pillars of Wisdom, largely hidden from the world and a third longer than commonly known version. With the exception of the dust jacket in the portfolio, which has a minor curl to the leading edge, all volumes, portfolio, documents and slipcase in fine condition throughout. A large and heavy set (packed weight circa 4kg) which will incur an additional charge for overseas delivery.