Regarding the chronological lists of Studies and Reviews little need be said—except perhaps in apology. They do not, strictly, belong in a volume of this sort, but were finally included for whatever value they might have as an index to the critical comment on Mr. Lawrence’s writings since the publication of The White Peacock. The lists make no claim to completeness. Nevertheless, they are probably more inclusive than they should be. Along with much that is fine, they contain much that is pointless and futile. But this is not surprising: the average critic sitting in judgment of Mr. Lawrence is quickly au bout de son latin.
Such, then, is the general plan of this bibliographical study. Designed primarily to meet the needs of Lawrence collectors, it will also be serviceable to students of what is now the most brilliant and challenging career in really contemporary English literature. And it may have a further use. Although Mr. Lawrence is quite without the sort of pride in authorship that busies itself with shapes of books or records of publications, he may nevertheless find in this glorified card-index some usefulness. If so, I shall be repaid for the making of it.
And now a word of thanks for help on this book must go especially to Mr. Lawrence, to Mr. Harold T. Mason, to Mr. David Jester, Jr., and to Mr. Carroll Frey. Mr. Lawrence first told me about Movements in European History, and he has generously forwarded my work in other ways. The intrepid publishers of this volume made it possible for me to examine duplicates of the various Lawrence items, and Mr. Mason’s knowledge of the investiture of the books herein described was frequently drawn upon. Mr. Frey helped with the typography—which in a book like the present is no small matter. I am also indebted to a number of people, both in England and America, for replies to many sorts of questions.
An appropriate conclusion to this introduction would be, I have no doubt, a solemn recital of the General Confession. But there’s no good here prating of things done or left undone. There simply isn’t. Bibliolatry has its virtues, but sweet charity is not among them. Indeed she’s not. All this by way of letting the users of this book know that reports of my sins of omission and commission will be received with true stoical fortitude.
Edward D. McDonald
Philadelphia
October 15, 1924