LAWRENCE, T.E. (1888-1935). 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Autograph Letter Signed ('T.E.S.') to B[ertram] T[homas], 2 pages 4to with envelope (a little worn in the folds), Myrtle Cottage, John Street, Hythe, 9 Decemeber 1931. Telling Thomas that he had sent to Mrs [George Bernard] Shaw the foreword he had written for Felix Arabia, hoping for G.B.S's opinion on it; and pedantically berating the East India Club for a supposed grammatical solecism.

'... She wrote to me yesterday, saying that G.B.S. was going to work over it a little. You should give time for this, as he is a good critic; I could wish it were worth criticism.

'The thing is piffle. ... I only typed the one copy, which is with Mrs Shaw. There was a pencil draft, but I destroyed it before sending the other off.

'... if you sail from Southampton, let me know. I'll buzz over & see you on board.

'Your Club [then the East India United Service Club] should not double the final "s", for the possessive, before the initial "S" of Square. St James's Gardens: yes: but St James' Square. Not grammer: euphony, calligraphy, & common sense.'

[No: 26107]