Lawrence and the Arabs

London: Jonathan Cape, 1927 This copy is in very good plus condition bound in tan cloth covered boards with bright gilt titling to the spine. There is some damage to the head of the spine, there is a neat signature to the f.e.p. This copy is bright, tight, white and square. A dustwrapper is not present, Where the book weighs more than 1 Kilo increased charges will be quoted. As we recall, the idea of the Arab Revolt was initiated by the Sherif Hussein in Mecca about one hundred years ago. Sherif Hussein was not only a deeply religious person but also a popular and nationalistic leader who believed that it was time to get rid of the Turkish rule which had lasted more than 400 years. His four sons, Ali, Abdullah, Faisal and Zeid were all enthusiastic and ready to lead the fight. Hundreds of tribes, previously fighting and raiding one another, now started to gather with thousands of camels in support of their leader. The remaining question was how and with what arms to commence. That was when Lawrence, a British officer, came into the picture. He was fully aware of the revolt and much in favour of it even before he got involved . The British Government with their regional office in Cairo, were also in favour: after all, they were fighting a WWI and Turkey was siding with Germany. But when ordered by the Cairo office to go and help the Arabs in their war, Lawrence, surprisingly, objected claiming he was not trained as a soldier. He was overruled, and then assigned as advisor to Prince Faisal. It was already evident that Faisal had the charisma and leadership qualities for this major task. Furthermore, he wanted dearly to fulfil his father's dream: one Arab nation, from Mecca to Baghdad, with Sherif Hussein as its king. Size: 6" x 8"