Book Design

Much may be learned about Lawrence’s aesthetics from his involvement and preferences in the design of dust jackets, boards, and illustrations in published editions of his own works. Many readers of Lawrence know his work from rather dull uniform editions, some published in England during his lifetime by Martin Secker. However, Lawrence’s main publisher in the USA, Thomas Seltzer, published much of his work in a variety of eye-catching dust jackets. In addition, a good number of Lawrence’s other works were published in expensive limited editions or privately published, some beautifully illustrated. This chapter traces how Lawrence, as an author of increasing standing, came to influence the appearance of his books, while often promoting the talents of artistic friends. It is beautifully illustrated by thirteen monochrome and twenty-one colour images from first and other editions of his books, some not reproduced in colour before