George Meredith, "The Ordeal of Richard Feverel" (Rare Revised Edition), 1905 📜✨📖

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This listing presents a rare 1905 revised edition of The Ordeal of Richard Feverel by George Meredith.

This volume is a masterpiece of Victorian literature and a significant primary source for understanding the social and literary values of its time. As a revised edition of a historically controversial work, this book is a unique and verifiable acquisition for a discerning collector of rare books and early 20th-century literature.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

The novel is a deep and complex exploration of human psychology and a sharp critique of 19th-century societal norms. It tells the story of Richard Feverel, a young man raised under his father's rigorous "System" of education, designed to mold him into the perfect gentleman. The story's central conflict arises when Richard's genuine emotions for a woman of a lower social standing challenge his father's carefully constructed, and ultimately flawed, rationalist plan.

The book's binding features a beautiful combination of half-leather with vibrant red cloth boards and a gilt-decorated spine, a handsome example of book design from the period.

3. About the Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

George Meredith was a prominent Victorian author, known for his ability to craft complex narratives and his sharp critique of societal norms. This revised edition represents a period when Meredith’s work was finally gaining a wider acceptance and appreciation from the public and critics alike, after its controversial initial publication in 1859. The book’s unflinching portrayal of emotional and social conflict makes it a foundational text for understanding the psychological and social complexities of the era. Meredith is considered a master of psychological fiction and a groundbreaking social critic.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

First published in 1859, the novel was considered highly controversial and was initially suppressed for its frank discussion of sexuality and its critique of Victorian morality. This 1905 revised edition marks a significant moment in the book's history, as it was a period when Meredith's work was finally gaining a wider acceptance and appreciation from the public and critics. The book is a tangible link to a pivotal moment in English literary history when authors began to explore the inner lives of their characters with greater depth and candor.

This book is a direct artifact of its time, reflecting the evolving cultural values of the late Victorian era as it transitioned into the Edwardian period. The handsome binding and high-quality printing demonstrate a cultural commitment to preserving and appreciating classic literature. It serves as a time capsule, offering a unique window into the social and publishing history of the early 20th century.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a unique and significant acquisition that will appeal to a discerning collector of both literature and history. The ideal buyer is likely:

• A Collector of Victorian Literature: This book is a key piece for any serious collection of 19th-century English novels.

• A Historian of Social Norms: As a revised edition of a historically controversial work, this book is a primary source for understanding the social and literary values of its time.

• An Admirer of Fine Bindings: The book's well-bound and handsomely printed volume makes it a prime example of early 20th-century bookmaking.

• A Bibliophile of English Classics: The book's prior ownership markings add a personal and historical dimension to its history, which adds to its appeal.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This book is an antique edition of a foundational work of English literature. As a book that was intended for a wide audience, it was not always well-preserved, making a copy in good condition a genuine rarity on the market. The book is approximately 118 years old and has survived its journey to the present day with its binding and pages intact. Its value is anchored in its status as a tangible historical artifact and a fine example of early 20th-century bookmaking.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

• The binding is a half-leather with vibrant red cloth boards.

• It shows authentic wear consistent with its age, including rubbing and scuffing, with some loss of the original finish on the spine and edges.

• The pages have some expected foxing and discoloration, but the text remains clear and readable.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book is described as a "comedy of the mind" and a "tragedy of the spirit," which perfectly encapsulates its complex tone and narrative.

• The binding features a beautiful combination of half-leather with vibrant red cloth boards and a gilt-decorated spine, a handsome example of book design from the period.

• This volume is a fascinating example of a "crossover" collectible that appeals to collectors of rare books, Victorian literature, and social history.

• The title page of this revised edition is a great example of the artistic typesetting and design of the early 20th century, with its clean, elegant fonts and decorative flourishes.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Ordeal of Richard Feverel: A History of a Father and Son

• Author: George Meredith

• Edition: Revised Edition

• Publisher: Archibald Constable & Co LTD

• Place: Westminster

• Year: 1905

• Format: Hardcover, Half Leather and Cloth

• Transcription: The copyright page reads: "COPYRIGHT 1896 BY GEORGE MEREDITH".