"Melissa" 1948 CALDWELL, Taylor

CALDWELL, Taylor

[384] pp.

Charles Scribner’s Sons

1948

First Edition

8 1/8″ x 5 3/4″

Jacket design by John Drew

VG/ VG

A tale of romantic intrigue in the gothic tradition of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre (The New York Times).

In the eyes of his daughter Melissa, Charles Upjohn can do no wrong. Where others see a minor novelist whose ego far outweighs his talent, Melissa sees a brilliant artist deserving of a wider audience. Where her sister and brother see a cold and inattentive parent who cant provide for his family, Melissa sees a doting father whose intentions are beyond reproach. On his deathbed, Charles puts his eldest daughter in charge of her mother and siblings. Melissa will do anything she can to please himeven if it means marrying a man she hates.

As Charles Upjohns publisher, Geoffrey Dunham holds the keys to the writers legacy. Dunham also has the means to provide for Melissa and her family, and the desire to do so. Melissa knows her life with Dunham will be grim and passionless, but shes willing to sacrifice her own happiness in order to fulfill her fathers wishes. Dunham, however, refuses accept a wife in name only. To win Melissas heart, he must destroy everything she believes about her fatherand herself.

A darkly riveting portrait of the thin line between love and hate, Melissa confirms author Taylor Caldwells reputation as one of the twentieth centurys greatest storytellers.