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T. E. Lawrence to Bertram Thomas
Myrtle Cottage,
Hythe,
Southampton
21. XI. 31
Dear BT,
Will this reach you, or are you in the
States? Both perhaps. I am on Southampton Water (nearly all day and
part of the night, often) testing a new marine engine for the R.A.F. This note is to report my failure to make any foreword for your
Arabia.1 If you, or it, had been a con-rod, how
technically I should have balanced you and summed up - whereas all I feel is a
great release and relief, at knowing that your book is good enough. Your journey is
told as it deserves: no, hardly that perhaps, or it would be the best
travel book ever yet. It is exceedingly well told and will live for
generations. You are a fortunate man. The Foreign Office is displeased
with you. You are doubly fortunate and distinguished. I'm getting
envious.
Yours
sincerely,
T. E. Shaw
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