The Mint, T. E. Lawrence — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1955
Formatting: 4to, pp. 206.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The book presents in exceptional condition for its age, avoiding the common pitfalls associated with this edition. The original blue buckram cloth is sharp, remarkably clean, and free of the usual fading, with the gilt spine lettering remaining notably bright and the blind-stamped RAF eagle to the upper board exceptionally crisp. The binding is tight and entirely square. The text block is immaculate, showing no signs of foxing, while the yellow top-edge stain remains vibrant and unrubbed. The original dust jacket is likewise in wonderful order, presenting clean, bright panels and an unbrowned spine, marred only by a minuscule touch of shelf-wear to the spine extremities and a faint whisper of toning to the extreme upper edges.
Catalogue Note: This is the first British trade edition of the work, published posthumously by Jonathan Cape. Edited by the author's brother, A. W. Lawrence, to remove objectionable language and protect the identities of those involved, this expurgated general edition was issued under Lawrence’s adopted pseudonym, 352087 A/c Ross.
While the 1955 trade edition of The Mint is generally common on the open market due to a substantial initial print run, locating a copy in such a finely preserved state is increasingly uncommon. The cream dust jackets are notoriously prone to heavy spine browning and handling wear, making this bright, well-preserved example a premium acquisition for condition-conscious collectors.
Following the immense global fame and exhaustion brought on by the Arab Revolt, T. E. Lawrence sought anonymity and a return to the ranks. Enlisting in the Royal Air Force under the assumed name of John Hume Ross, Lawrence kept a meticulously detailed, brutally honest journal of his experiences. The Mint strips away the romanticised myth of 'Lawrence of Arabia', offering instead a stark, unvarnished portrait of the gruelling realities, psychological strains, and unexpected comradeship of inter-war military training. It stands as a masterclass in observational writing and a profound reflection of a deeply complex man seeking refuge from his own legend.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: T. E. Lawrence
Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 206
Book Publication Year: 1955
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
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