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The History of David Grieve by Mrs. Humphry Ward (Early Edition), 1892 📜🕰️🇬🇧

Name: The History of David Grieve by Mrs. Humphry Ward (Early Edition), 1892 📜🕰️🇬🇧
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 25.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$25.00

Sale Sold out

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This listing is for a vintage 1892 edition of "The History of David Grieve" by Mrs. Humphry Ward. Published by MacMillan and Co., this Victorian-era novel is an early printing of a work that explores the intellectual and social debates of its time.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"The History of David Grieve" traces the life of David Grieve, a young man who moves from the countryside to the industrial city of Manchester, England. The narrative follows David's journey as he navigates the challenges of urban life, grapples with moral and religious questions, and experiences both personal triumphs and setbacks.

Ward's novel delves into themes of social change, religious doubt, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a realistic portrayal of Victorian society and the struggles of individuals seeking meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

3. About the Author ✍️🏛️

Mrs. Humphry Ward was an English novelist and social activist, known for her realistic and socially conscious novels that explored the intellectual and moral debates of her time. Her achievements include writing popular and influential novels that addressed issues such as religious doubt, women's roles, and social reform.

Ward's writing was characterized by its intellectual depth, its detailed character development, and its engagement with contemporary social and philosophical issues. Her novels sparked debate and contributed notably to the literary and intellectual discourse of the late 19th century.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1892, this book belongs to the height of the Victorian era, a period when the social novel was a popular and influential genre.

Authors like Mrs. Humphry Ward used fiction to explore the societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution and to examine the moral and religious questions of the day. This book is a tangible document of that literary and social history.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for an enthusiast of Victorian literature and social history, a curator of classic fiction, or a collector who appreciates books for their historical content rather than their rarity. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a classic novel as a window into the intellectual life of the late 19th century.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This early 1892 edition of "The History of David Grieve" is a fine item for enthusiasts of Victorian literature and social history. Its value is not in its scarcity but in its literary and historical content. As a clean reading copy of a classic novel by a significant Victorian author, it is a great addition to any home library.

This book is 133 years old as of 2025.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a green cloth binding.
The binding shows visible wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some discoloration to the boards.
The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.
There are no personal inscriptions or markings.
This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

Mrs. Humphry Ward was the niece of the celebrated poet Matthew Arnold, and a key figure in the intellectual circles of her time.
Her novels, especially "Robert Elsmere," were so controversial for their religious themes that they were openly debated in both the literary world and the Church of England.
"The History of David Grieve" was considered one of Ward's most ambitious novels, tackling complex philosophical ideas within a realistic, character-driven narrative.
Ward was also a prominent social activist who helped found the Passmore Edwards Settlement for the education of the poor in London.