A Castle in Bavaria, by Prince and Princess d'Orléans (First English Translation), 1977 🏰👑📜

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a First English Translation of "A Castle in Bavaria," a rare and compelling novel by Prince Thibaut d'Orléans and Princess Marion d'Orléans.

Published in 1977 by Simon and Schuster, this book is a unique collectible due to its provenance, including an ex libris sticker, a "JBK" stamp, and a prior owner's signature on the front flyleaf. Its first English printing adds to its scarcity, making it a valuable find for collectors of aristocratic history and European literature.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

This novel sweeps the reader into the complex world of the European aristocracy, beginning with the final days of World War I. Set in the luxurious backdrop of castles in Bavaria, Vienna, Berlin, and Paris, the story follows the Hartburg family and their dramatic lives.

The plot explores their intrigues, scandals, and traditions, with a rich cast of characters that includes a determined widow, an ambitious heir, and a spirited princess. The novel is a detailed, character-driven narrative that provides an intimate look at a powerful family facing a changing world.

3. About the Author ✍️🏛️

Prince Thibaut d'Orléans and Princess Marion d'Orléans are the authors of this novel. As members of European royalty, their unique background gives them an authentic voice and perspective on the world they describe. Their novel, originally published in French, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and mindset of the European elite.

The English translation by Helen Weaver makes their work accessible to a wider audience, solidifying their contribution to historical fiction.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

The book, originally written in French and copyrighted in 1973, was translated and released in English in 1977. This period saw a growing public fascination with the history of European royalty and the aristocratic families that shaped the continent.

The novel’s setting, which spans the period from the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the rise of new world powers, makes it a significant piece of historical fiction. It was published at a time when publishers were seeking out new voices and perspectives on European history for an American readership.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a premier acquisition for a curator of American fiction, a scholar of European history, or a private collector of narrative fiction. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its literary merit and its status as a significant cultural artifact.

The unique provenance of this copy makes it especially appealing to collectors who appreciate a book's unique journey through time.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a true first edition of a best-selling novel in its First English Translation, this book is a collectible item. The book has a complete number line ("1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10"), which confirms it as a first printing.

The book's provenance, marked by the prior owner's ex libris sticker, a stamp, and a signature from 1977, adds significant value. This book is approximately 48 years old.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is in very good vintage condition. The hardcover is in very good condition with a firm and intact binding. The original dust jacket is present but shows some wear, including scuff marks, discoloration, and minor tears along the edges. The pages are clean and well-preserved.

There is an ex libris sticker, a stamp, and a signature from the previous owner on the front flyleaf.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

The book was originally published in French and translated by Helen Weaver. The authors are Prince Thibaut d'Orléans and Princess Marion d'Orléans, giving the novel an authentic voice. The book contains a complete number line ("1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10"), confirming it as a first printing.

The provenance includes an ex libris sticker, a stamp, and a signature from a previous owner, which adds to its unique history.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

Author: Prince Thibaut d'Orléans and Princess Marion d'Orléans

Translated by: Helen Weaver

Publication Date: 1977

Edition: First English Translation, First Printing

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Place of Publication: New York, NY

Book Cover Type: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Genre: Historical Fiction, Aristocracy