The Egoist
A Comedy in Narrative
by George Meredith
Revised Edition
Publisher: Archibald Constable & Co LTD, 1906
Copyright 1897 by George Meredith
Printer: 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”
"The Egoist" is a satirical novel by George Meredith that centers on Sir Willoughby Patterne, a man consumed by an inflated sense of self-importance and obsessed with projecting an idealized image of himself. The narrative follows Willoughby's attempts to find a suitable wife, highlighting his manipulative behavior and his inability to truly connect with others. Meredith's sharp wit and psychological insight expose the destructive nature of egoism, exploring its impact on relationships and the societal pressures that often perpetuate such behavior. The novel offers a nuanced and often humorous examination of vanity, self-deception, and the complexities of human interaction within the social conventions of Victorian England.
George Meredith was a prominent English novelist and poet of the Victorian era, celebrated for his sophisticated prose, his psychological depth, and his innovative narrative techniques. His achievements include creating complex and memorable characters, often exploring themes of social class, gender roles, and the intricacies of human relationships. Meredith's writing style was characterized by its wit, its intellectual rigor, and its use of indirect discourse to convey the inner lives of his characters. His works, including "The Egoist," challenged social conventions and contributed significantly to the development of the modern novel. While his style could be demanding 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 "The Egoist" 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 "The Egoist" 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?
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.
