The Mint: A Day-Book of the R.A.F. Depot Between August and December 1922 with Later Notes by 352087 A/C Ross.

LAWRENCE, T.E. [A.W. Lawrence].

$1,500.00

Item Number: 117566

London: Jonathan Cape, 1955.

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.