T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 524

338171 A/C Shaw R.A.F. Detachment Miranshah Fort India. Waziristan Dear Isham I have changed stations, since I wrote to you or heard from you; changed, on the whole, for the better, though this is a lonely and tiny fort, outside whose barbed wire we are not allowed to go, without precautions. This is the first book of the Odyssey. I shall not be hurt or disappointed if your publisher friends, having read it, say "No" to the idea of my doing the rest. This is the sixth edition, enclosed. I tell you that as a sign that I have not scamped work on it, and that it has been difficult. Only the unusual size of the translation fee would reconcile me to doing 24 books like this; and I shall, on the whole, be glad if they call it not good enough. Homer is a very great, and (word crossed out) exacting leader. If, on the other hand, they say "Yes", then some sort of a contract will have to be got out. Will you, in that unlikely event, put me into touch with them? Did I ever thank you for your Voltaire letter? A facsimile of extraordinary skill; and incidentally a tribute to the good taste and skill of Voltaire himself. I hope yo... Boswell materials are working out to please you. Yours ...y T E Shaw. This was typed on the Flight Office typewriter, which stammers, over certain keys, incurably. Forgive it. We are in Waziristan.