Diana Of The Crossways, A Novel
by George Meredith
Revised Edition
Publisher: Archibald Constable & Co LTD, 1905
Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, London
NOTE: There is a sticker on the back cover page “The White House, 35-A R09489 2.00”
"Diana of the Crossways" is a novel by George Meredith that tells the story of Diana Warwick, a witty, intelligent, and independent woman navigating the social and political complexities of 19th-century England. The narrative follows Diana's romantic entanglements, her involvement in political intrigue, and her struggles to assert her independence in a society that often seeks to confine women to traditional roles. Meredith's novel is known for its sharp social commentary, its exploration of feminist themes, and its complex portrayal of a strong-willed and unconventional heroine. The story blends elements of romance, satire, and social drama, offering a nuanced and engaging exploration of Victorian society and the challenges faced by women seeking autonomy.
George Meredith was a prominent English novelist and poet of the Victorian era, celebrated for his psychological insights, his innovative narrative techniques, and his sophisticated prose. His achievements include creating complex and memorable characters, often exploring themes of social class, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships. Meredith's writing style was characterized by its wit, its intellectual depth, and its use of indirect discourse to convey the inner lives of his characters. His works, including "Diana of the Crossways," challenged social conventions and contributed significantly to the development of the modern novel. While his style could be challenging for some readers, his literary contributions have solidified his place as a major figure in English literature.
The sticker on the front cover page of this edition of "Diana of the Crossways" that reads "The White House, 35-A R09489 2.00" strongly suggests that the book was once part of the White House Library. Here's a breakdown of what that likely means:
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"The White House": This clearly indicates the book's provenance, meaning it was once owned by the White House.
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"35-A": This is likely a cataloging or shelving designation used within the White House Library system. Libraries often use codes to organize their collections.
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"R09489": This is almost certainly an accession or inventory number, a unique identifier assigned to the book when it entered the White House Library.
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"2.00": This is intriguing. It could potentially be:
- A valuation of the book at some point.
- A record of a fee or charge associated with the book (though less likely in a library setting).
- A discount or sale price if the book was deaccessioned (removed from the library's collection and sold).
Was this book in the White House Library?
Yes, the sticker provides compelling evidence that it was.
Significance:
It's fascinating to think about a novel like "Diana of the Crossways" being part of the White House Library. It opens up questions about:
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Presidential reading habits: Which presidents or first ladies might have read this novel?
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Library collections over time: How have the White House Library's holdings changed?
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Cultural context: What does the presence of this particular novel say about the cultural interests of the time?
While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when the book was in the White House Library without further research, the sticker itself is a valuable piece of its history.
Please review each photo carefully for wear and usage. This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years. Send me a message if you have questions or would like additional photos.
