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Katherine by Anya Seton (RARE First Edition with Dust Jacket), 1954 📜✨📖

Name: Katherine by Anya Seton (RARE First Edition with Dust Jacket), 1954 📜✨📖
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 150.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$150.00

Sale Sold out

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare first edition of Katherine by Anya Seton, published in 1954 by Houghton Mifflin Company. This novel is a foundational masterpiece of historical fiction and a premier acquisition for any serious collector of fine and historically significant first editions. The book is a primary source document for understanding the rise of historical fiction in the mid-20th century and is a cornerstone collectible for those interested in the history of American literature.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Katherine tells the epic and true story of Katherine Swynford, a 14th-century English noblewoman, and her forbidden love affair with John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. The book explores timeless themes of forbidden love, ambition, and scandal, all set against the tumultuous backdrop of medieval England.

Seton, a prolific American author known for her meticulous historical research, wove a compelling narrative that brought to life a real-life romance that ultimately changed the course of the English monarchy. The novel is celebrated for its rich historical detail and its ability to transport readers to another time and place.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨ Anya Seton (1904-1990) was an American author of historical fiction. She was known for her meticulous research and compelling narratives that brought historical figures to life.

Seton's works often centered on strong female protagonists and were celebrated for their historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. Her extensive body of work firmly solidified her reputation as a master of the historical fiction genre, earning her a dedicated and loyal readership.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1954, this book is a tangible link to a pivotal era in American and publishing history: the post-World War II era. As a nation grappled with the aftermath of a global conflict, there was a widespread demand for historical fiction that offered both escape and a sense of enduring strength.

The book's immense success established Seton as a leading voice in the genre and cemented her place in American literature. The novel served as a literary time capsule of a specific moment in American history, offering a sense of hope and a gentle counterpoint to the anxieties of the Cold War.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This 1954 First Edition of Katherine is a core acquisition for a collector building a focused library on 20th-century historical fiction and Americana. It is a perfect fit for a literary historian who appreciates the intersection of a prolific author’s work with the aesthetic and literary appeal of mid-20th-century bookmaking.

The presence of the original dust jacket, often discarded, makes this a singular artifact for a buyer who values the unique story behind an object.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1954 First Edition of Katherine is a genuinely scarce asset.

The book is 71 years old, having survived decades of history. Its value is overwhelmingly driven by its market scarcity, its historical importance, and its status as a true first edition with its original dust jacket intact.

This is a premium asset for a discerning collector. The original dust jacket is a key part of its provenance, as it is often discarded, which further justifies its premium price.

For collectors of historical fiction, Seton's first editions with their original dust jackets are highly sought after, making this specific copy even more desirable for a collector who values a book's individual story.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with its original dust jacket.

Binding: The binding is a contemporary hardcover and shows authentic wear consistent with its age.
Pages: The pages have some expected discoloration, but the text remains clear and readable.
Dust Jacket: The dust jacket is a key part of its provenance and shows some wear and tear, but remains largely intact.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

Anya Seton was a prolific author of historical fiction, writing a total of 15 books during her career.
Seton's meticulous research for Katherine led her to spend months in England, where she visited historical sites and archives to ensure the accuracy of her novel.
The real-life romance between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt was scandalous at the time, but they eventually married and their descendants included the Tudor and Stuart monarchs.
Seton's book has been credited with popularizing the historical romance genre in the mid-20th century, influencing a new generation of writers.