Towards the end of 1927, with Seven Pillars of Wisdom and The Mint behind him, Lawrence was approached by Bruce Rogers, an American book designer, to undertake a translation of Homer’s Odyssey. At first, he demurred – “Something about this Odyssey effort frightens me. … Homer is very very great: and so far away” [letter, 16 April 1928]; but he was at the same time – characteristically – attracted by the proposition, and offered a sample chapter (and to discuss fees). He was soon working steadily on the project. In his prefatory “Translator’s Note”, he offers a less exalted view of his subject than previously: “The author misses his every chance o…
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