T. E. Lawrence to J. G. Wilson

25.5.26

Dear Wilson,

The Windsor copy will be duly sent: but I'm an old-fashioned person, to whom it seems improper that Kings should buy and sell among their subjects. You told me that the advance cheque was Fortescue: and I mean to return it gently to him with the book when it is ready. F. is decent, and will not tell his owner: for I should prefer Him to think He is paying for it, since that is His notion of propriety.

Whittingham and Griggs, the printers of the colour plates, had promised August as their finishing date, before the strike. Now, I suppose, one cannot say. After them there is only the binding. Text is ready, index in hand, map begun. I begin to see light through the back cover, at last.

Yours

T.E.S.

Me for India in November: so it must end before that.