The Half-Caste: An Old Governess's Tale
By The Author Of John Halifax Gentleman (Dinah Craik)
Published by W&R Chambers Limited: London 1897
"Dinah Craik's The Half-Caste: An Old Governess's Tale is a thoughtful late-Victorian novella exploring identity, prejudice, and moral conscience through the recollections of an elderly governess. Set against the backdrop of colonial-era anxieties, the story follows a compassionate but observant narrator as she becomes involved in the life of a young mixed-race girl whose very existence challenges the rigid social codes of the time. Craik's writing—warm, perceptive and morally grounded—unravels the tensions between appearance and character, and between the expectations of society and the demands of empathy.
First published in 1897, the work reflects Craik's enduring interest in social fairness and human dignity, echoing the moral clarity that made John Halifax, Gentleman a Victorian favourite. Though modest in length, it stands as a significant example of late-19th-century fiction confronting issues of race, class and compassion through a domestic and deeply personal lens. This thoughtful and seldom-seen Chambers edition will appeal to collectors of Victorian literature, admirers of Dinah Craik, and readers interested in early fictional treatments of colonial identity and social justice."
General wear, fading and some staining to cover and spine as shown. Pages have an aged patina with some light foxing present. Binding is good with no loose pages. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
