Although The World of Lawrence began as a short work, it soon burst into far greater proportions. As Miller said, "It was written from upstairs. I literally became possessed." The manuscript went through a series of unaccountable and often contradictory transformations. At least three versions were written during that monumental year (of 1932). Miller saw Lawrence as a soul mate with this 'unquenchable burning spirit, his ubiquitousness, his aliveness...Lawrence on his deathbed had more life than most men have in their moments of highest ecstacy.' In collating and integrating the manuscripts the editors' chief concern has been to preserve the quality of violent integrity which characterized Miller's confrontation with Lawrence.