A Woman Called Fancy
Frank Yerby
📚 Genre
Historical Fiction / Romance
🏢 Publisher
The Dial Press, New York, N.Y.
📅 Publication Year
1951
🔢 ISBN
Not visible on title page; Standard ISBN-10 (later editions): 0385202685
About This Book
Set in Augusta, Georgia, in the 1880s, the novel follows Fancy Williamson, a mountain girl who flees an arranged marriage and rises through the social ranks of the South. The story explores themes of social class, morality, and the struggle of a woman trying to navigate a rigid patriarchal society. The image shows the internal title page with simple typography and the Dial Press lion logo.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
340 pages
Edition
Early Hardcover Edition (Likely First Edition based on The Dial Press imprint and layout)
Series
Stand-alone novel
Target Audience
Adult
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good. The pages appear clean with minimal foxing or browning. There is a slight visible shadow/crease from the binding on the left side, but no significant tearing or ink marks are present.
Estimated Value
$15-$45 (Higher end if the dust jacket is present; if this is a first printing without a jacket, it leans toward the lower end).
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While Yerby's books were printed in large quantities, finding high-quality early Dial Press hardcovers in pristine condition is becoming more difficult for collectors.
Historical Significance
Frank Yerby was a trailblazer in the genre of historical romance, known as the 'Prince of Pulps.' He was the first Black writer to see a novel reach number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. His works were massive commercial successes in the mid-20th century.
Collector Notes
Check the copyright page for 'First Printing' or lack of subsequent printing dates to confirm first edition status. Value is heavily dependent on the presence and condition of the original dust jacket. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent yellowing of the acidic paper stock common in 1950s publishing.
Similar Books
The Foxes of Harrow by Frank Yerby, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Jubilee by Margaret Walker, Mandingo by Kyle Onstott
Notable Features
Features the original Dial Press logo. Yerby was the first African-American author to become a national bestseller and have a book purchased for film.