Diana of the Crossways Value Guide

This early 20th-century edition of Diana of the Crossways represents George Meredith's most commercially successful and enduring work. It is highly collectible as a significant feminist text that dramatizes the real-life Victorian scandal of Caroline Norton and her struggle for intellectual independence.

What Is Diana of the Crossways Worth?

The typical price range for Diana of the Crossways is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the red cloth binding, specifically the preservation of the gold leaf detailing and monogram.
• The presence of any foxing or yellowing on the internal paper pages, which can decrease the $15-$25 market value.
• The structural integrity of the spine and hinges, as these early 1900s editions are prone to wear from repeated handling.
• Provenance or original bookseller marks from the United Kingdom that confirm its origin and era.

How to Identify Diana of the Crossways?

• Look for the distinctive red cloth hardcover binding featuring George Meredith's specific monogram on the front or spine.
• Verify the presence of gold gilt detailing on the spine and cover, which was characteristic of high-quality UK editions from 1900-1915.
• Confirm the publisher's imprint matches the early 20th-century production era following the original 1885 release.
• Check for the specific paper quality and typography styles consistent with United Kingdom printing standards of the Edwardian period.

History of Diana of the Crossways

First published in 1885, this novel is George Meredith's most famous work. It was loosely based on the real-life scandal of Caroline Norton, a society beauty and writer whose husband accused her of an affair with the Prime Minister. The book was a major commercial success and is considered a significant feminist text for its portrayal of a woman striving for independence and intellectual recognition in Victorian England.