Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier Value Guide

This 1954 first edition from Doubleday and Company is a compelling biographical novel detailing the life of Mary Anne Clarke, the author's own great-great-grandmother. It remains a sought-after piece for collectors of mid-century literature due to its scandalous historical subject matter involving the Duke of York.

What affects the value of Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier?

• Presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $10-$11 price point.
• Overall structural integrity, including the tightness of the binding and lack of foxing on the paper.
• Provenance or signatures, though standard copies typically hold a modest market value.
• The historical significance of the subject matter, Mary Anne Clarke, to du Maurier enthusiasts.

How to Identify Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier?

• Verify the 'First Edition' statement or lack of subsequent printings on the copyright page.
• Confirm the publisher is Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, NY.
• Check for the original 1954 date and the specific cloth binding used for this US release.
• Look for the original dust jacket featuring period-appropriate artwork and a price of $3.50.

History of Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier

Written by the celebrated author of Rebecca, this biographical novel tells the story of Mary Anne Clarke, du Maurier's own great-great-grandmother. Clarke was a real historical figure who became the mistress of Frederick, Duke of York, and used her position to sell army commissions, leading to a major scandal in the early 19th century.