This is not merely a book; it is a piece of American presidential history. Offered here is a beautiful 1905 printing of George Meredith’s famous novel, Diana of the Crossways, bearing the handsome engraved bookplate of THE WHITE HOUSE LIBRARY. This book was once part of the official library of the President of the United States, a collection curated for the private use of the First Family and their distinguished guests.
It is a remarkable artifact, connecting a major work of Victorian literature to the seat of American power and providing a tangible link to the intellectual world of the White House in the early 20th century.
The Provenance: A President's Library 🇺🇸
The White House Library bookplate signifies that this volume was acquired for the permanent library within the Executive Mansion. This library, formally established by Millard Fillmore but curated and expanded by subsequent administrations, was intended to be a collection of the world's best literature, history, and philosophy for the use of the President and his family.
Books were often added by the American Booksellers Association or donated by publishers and distinguished citizens. To be selected was a mark of honor, signifying that a work was considered essential reading. This copy of Diana of the Crossways was deemed worthy of a place on those shelves, where it would have been available to Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and their families.
The Novel: A Portrait of the "New Woman" 💃
It is fascinating to speculate why this particular novel was chosen. Diana of the Crossways was Meredith’s most famous and controversial work, a powerful exploration of female intelligence and independence. Its heroine, Diana Merion, is a classic example of the "New Woman"—a brilliant, witty, and fiercely independent woman who seeks intellectual and professional freedom in a world designed to constrain her.
The character was famously based on the real-life society beauty and social reformer Caroline Norton, whose personal struggles after a scandalous divorce trial led to her tireless campaigning for the rights of married women in England. Her efforts resulted in the first laws granting women custody of their children and control over their own earnings. The novel is a tribute to her resilience and a deep psychological study of a brilliant woman trapped by convention.
The Author: George Meredith, a Victorian Master 🖋️
George Meredith was one of the giants of Victorian literature, a contemporary of Dickens and Eliot, but known for a more modern, psychologically complex style. He was a master of witty dialogue and a pioneer of psychological realism, revered by other authors from Oscar Wilde to Virginia Woolf. The presence of his most famous novel in the White House Library speaks to the sophisticated literary tastes of the era.
Why This Book Is Valuable
Exceptional Provenance: This is the single most important attribute. Books from the White House Library are exceptionally rare on the open market and are highly sought after by collectors of Americana, presidential history, and rare books.
Literary and Historical Significance: The book is a key feminist novel of the 19th century and a major work by a canonical Victorian author, with a direct connection to real-life social and legal reforms.
A Unique Historical Artifact: This book sits at the intersection of British literary history and American presidential history, making it a uniquely compelling object.
Condition & Collation
The book is in very good condition, bound in its original publisher's decorative blue cloth with gilt lettering. The binding is tight, with minor, age-appropriate wear. The pages are clean and bright. Most importantly, the front pastedown features the handsome engraved bookplate of THE WHITE HOUSE LIBRARY.
