LAWRENCE, T.E. (1888-1935). 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Autograph Letter Signed (T.E.S.') to [Bertram] Thomas, 2 pages 4to with envelope (some wear in the folds), Hythe, 7 December 1931. Discussing Lawrence's draft (of the preface, or foreword) to Thomas's Arabia Felix, and giving his own news.

'... A poor, lame thing: but the only reaction stirred in me by your book was a sense of thankfulness that it was all right. Misery, anger, indignation, discomfort - those conditions produce literature. Contentment - never. ...

'I am sorry: but what writing ambitions and faculties I did possess have flickered out. Yet they told me yesterday, from London, that my last report on the 8/28 dinghy engine we are testing was altogether the goods. So I am consoled. The bow still has a string. ...'

The present letter is mentioned but not published by David Garnett: (The Letters of T.E. Lawrence, Jonathan Cape, London, 1938), and is printed by Malcolm Brown in his edition of 'Selected' letters, (London, 1988, page 459).
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