Dan Driscoll wrote: I happen to have on my shelf a vintage book---the Jonathan Cape, 1927 Volume of Revolt in the Desert, by the celebrated T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). It is prefaced by the following 'Publisher's Note'. PUBLISHER'S NOTE It seems necessary to explain that the spelling of Arabic names throughout this book varies according to the whim of the author. The publisher's proof-reader objected strongly to the apparent inconsistencies which he found, and a long and entertaining correspondence ensued between author and publisher. The author's attitude can best be judged from the following extracts which show questions and answers: Slip # I: Jeddah and Jidda used impartially throughout; Intentional? A: (T.E. Lawrence) Rather. Slip # 16: Bir Waheida, was Bir Waheidi. A: Why not? All one place. Slip # 20: Nuri, Emir of the Ruwalla, belongs to the 'chief family of the Rualla' On Slip # 33 'Rualla horse,' and Slip 38, 'killed one Rueili.' In all later slips 'Rualla.' Should also have used Ruwala and Ruala. Slip # 28: The Bisaita is also spelt Biseita. Good. Slip # 47. Jedha, the she camel, was Jedhah on Slip # 40. She was a splendid beast. Slip # 53. 'Meleager, the immoral poet.' I have put 'immortal' poet, but the author may mean immoral after all. Immorality I know. Immortality I cannot judge. As you please: Meleager will not sue us for libel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is hilarious. Thanks, Dan. Mervyn1214Lobo
