Most Popular Books by Henry James

Henry James''s "The Turn of the Screw" is a masterful narrative that delves into themes of psychological ambiguity, repression, and the nature of evil. Written in 1898, this novella is characterized by its intricate prose and subtle tension, reflecting the complexities of the human psyche and the societal constraints of the Victorian era. The story unfolds through an unreliable narrator, a governess, who is tasked with caring for two enigmatic children at a remote estate, only to encounter spectral apparitions and an unsettling atmosphere that questions the very nature of reality and perception. James, an American novelist often associated with literary realism, was influenced by his extensive European travels and his critical engagement with complex social and moral issues. His own experiences with the contradictions of innocence and corruption prompted him to explore the thin line that separates these opposing forces in "The Turn of the Screw." The novella, with its rich subtext and psychological depth, reflects James''s innovative narrative techniques and his fascination with the interplay of consciousness and environment. "The Turn of the Screw" is highly recommended for readers interested in psychological thrillers and Gothic literature. Its layered storytelling invites multiple interpretations, making it a compelling read for both scholars and casual readers. Engage with James''s exploration of ambiguity and moral uncertainty, and uncover the unsettling realities that linger just beneath the surface of this haunting tale.

Cultural Writing. Memoir. In A SMALL BOY AND OTHERS, Henry James applies his superb skills as a storyteller to his won early life. Written after the death of his brother William the completion of his last novel, James felt at last able to chart this revealing portrait of the artist as a young man. With a wit and curiosity evident on every page, this book transformed the art of autobiography. "Henry James looked back at his past with the same search for the truths of the emotions which Proust was to show in his novel A la recherchT du temps perdu" - Leon Edel.

First published in 1886, The Bostonians is one of James'' wittiest social satires. It begins with the arrival in Boston of Basil Ransom, in search of a career. The book turns on the relationship between Ransom, a conservative civil war veteran, his feminist cousin Olive Chancellor, and Verena Tarrant, a newcomer to their circle whose affections are sought by both Olive and Basil. James'' ambivalence towards the reformist movement is made plain in this novel, which is crowded with eccentric and colourful characters. The narrative moves us in turns to sneer at the Boston reformers and to sympathise with Olive as she struggles to keep the reformist flame burning in her protege''s heart.

What Maisie Knew (1897) represents one of James''s finest reflections on the rites of passage from wonder to knowledge, and the question of their finality. The child of violently divorced parents, Maisie Farange opens her eyes on a distinctly modern world. Mothers and fathers keep changing their partners and names, while she herself becomes the pretext for all sorts of adult sexual intrigue.In this classic tale of the death of childhood, there is a savage comedy that owes much to Dickens. But for his portrayal of the child''s capacity for intelligent `wonder'', James summons all the subtlety he devotes elsewhere to his most celebrated adult protagonists. Neglected and exploited by everyone around her, Maisie inspires James to dwell with extraordinary acuteness on the things that may pass between adult and child. In addition to a new introduction, this edition of the novel offers particularly detailed notes, bibliography, and a list of variant readings.

When Isabel Archer, a young American with looks, wit, and imagination, arrives in Europe, she sees the world as bright and open. Rejecting suitors who offer her wealth and devotion, she follows her own path, and finds it leads to a dark and constricted future. This is the masterpiece of James''s middle period, and Nicola Bradbury''s new introduction provides a stimulating way in to this moving novel. The text is that of the New York Edition and includes Henry James''s own Preface. - ;When Isabel Archer, a young American woman with looks, wit, and imagination, arrives in Europe, she sees the world as `a place of brightness, of free expression, of irresistible action''. She turns aside from suitors who offer her their wealth and devotion to follow her own path. But that way leads to disillusionment and a future as constricted as `a dark narrow alley with a dead wall at the end''. In a conclusion that is one of the most moving in modern fiction, Isabel makes her final choice. The Portrait of a Lady is the masterpiece of James''s middle period, and Isabel is perhaps his most engaging central character. This edition provides a challenging new introduction and detailed notes; the text is that of the New York Edition and includes Henry James''s own Preface. -

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1914 Edition.

"When timid and plain Catherine Sloper acquires a dashing and determined suitor, her father, convinced that the young man is nothing more than a fortune-hunter, decides to put a stop to their romance. Torn between a desire to win her father''s approval and passion for the first man who has ever declared his love for her, Catherine faces an agonizing choice, and eventually becomes all too aware of the restrictions that others seek to place on her freedom. James''s novel interweaves the public and private faces of nineteenth-century New York society, and is also a study of innocence destroyed."--BOOK JACKET.

Notes of a Son and Brother is an autobiography by Henry James published in 1914. The book covers James'' early manhood and tells of "the obscure hurt" that kept him out of the Civil War, his first efforts at writing fiction, and the early death of his beloved cousin, Minny Temple, from tuberculosis. (Wikipedia)

Work by the prolific American-born author and literary critic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He spent much of his life in Europe and became a British subject shortly before his death. He is primarily known for novels, novellas and short stories based on themes of consciousness and morality.Includes a biography of the author.

Sent to Paris by a wealthy matron to retrieve her son, Strether becomes sidetracked by intriguing complications

Eugenia, an expatriated American, is the morganatic wife of a German prince, who is about to reject her in favor of a state marriage. With her artist brother Felix Young she travels to Boston to visit relatives she has never before seen, in hopes of making a wealthy marriage. The men of Bostonsoon realize her deceitfulness, and she returns to Europe, feeling that her fortune-hunting scheme is impractical in unsusceptible America. Its wit, gaiety, and what Rebecca West calls its "clear sunlit charm" have made this masterly short novel the most popular of James''s novels.

Henry James''s "The Wings of the Dove" is a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Edwardian society, James employs his signature psychological realism, delving deep into the inner lives of his characters. Through rich and intricate prose, he crafts a narrative that revolves around the wealthy and enigmatic Kate Croy, who faces a life-altering decision involving the ailing heiress, Millie Theale, in a world where social status and genuine emotional connections intertwine, leading to poignant ethical dilemmas. Henry James, an expatriate American author living in Europe, drew from his own experiences of transatlantic life, class distinctions, and the shifting dynamics of loyalty and desire. He was a keen observer of the social intricacies of both American and British societies, allowing him to construct multi-dimensional characters that grapple with the often conflicting demands of love, duty, and ambition. His keen insight into the psyche, particularly of women, reveals an emotional depth that resonates throughout the novel. "The Wings of the Dove" is highly recommended for readers seeking a nuanced, character-driven narrative that poses essential questions about morality and human connection. James''s masterful narrative will engross those who appreciate literature that transcends mere storytelling, offering richly layered themes that provoke introspection and discussion.

1875 short story by the prolific American-born author and literary critic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He spent much of his life in Europe and became a British subject shortly before his death. He is primarily known for novels, novellas and short stories based on themes of consciousness and morality.Inclues a biography of the author.

The Prince had always liked his London, when it had come to him; he was one of the modern Romans who find by the Thames a more convincing image of the truth of the ancient state than any they have left by the Tiber. Brought up on the legend of the City to which the world paid tribute, he recognised in the present London much more than in contemporary Rome the real dimensions of such a case. If it was a question of an Imperium, he said to himself, and if one wished, as a Roman, to recover a little the sense of that, the place to do so was on London Bridge, or even, on a fine afternoon in May, at Hyde Park Corner.

Daisy Miller is a novella by Henry James that first appeared in Cornhill Magazine in June-July 1878, and in book form the following year. It portrays the courtship of the beautiful American girl Daisy Miller by Winterbourne, a sophisticated compatriot of hers. His pursuit of her is hampered by her own flirtatiousness, which is frowned upon by the other expatriates when they meet in Switzerland and Italy.Daisy Miller is a fascinating portrait of a young woman from Schenectady, New York, who, traveling in Europe, runs afoul of the socially pretentious American expatriate community in Rome. First published in 1878, the novella brought American novelist Henry James (1843-1916), then living in London, his first international success. Like many of James'' early works, it portrays a venturesome American girl in the treacherous waters of European society - a theme that would culminate in his 1881 masterpiece, The Portrait of a Lady.On the surface, Daisy Miller unfolds a simple story of a young American girl''s willful yet innocent flirtation with a young Italian, and its unfortunate consequences. But throughout the narrative, James contrasts American customs and values with European manners and morals in a tale rich in psychological and social insight. A vivid portrayal of Americans abroad and a telling encounter between the values of the Old and New World, Daisy Miller is an ideal introduction to the work of one of America''s greatest writers of fiction.

Daisy Miller is a novel by Henry James that first appeared in Cornhill Magazine in June-July 1878, and in book form the following year. It portrays the courtship of the beautiful American girl Daisy Miller by Winterbourne, a sophisticated compatriot of hers.Includes a biography of the author.

The Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James, is a nuanced exploration of personal freedom, moral responsibility, and the social expectations placed upon women in the 19th century. The novel follows Isabel Archer, a spirited and independent American who travels to Europe seeking a life of purpose and autonomy. However, her journey takes a darker turn as she becomes entangled in a marriage that threatens her sense of self and freedom, forcing her to confront the consequences of her choices and the limitations imposed by society. Since its publication in 1881, The Portrait of a Lady has been celebrated for its psychological depth, sophisticated narrative style, and incisive commentary on the tension between individual will and societal pressures. Through the contrast between the New World and the Old, Henry James crafts a powerful depiction of a woman''s struggle to define her own path in a world that seeks to shape her. The novel''s enduring significance lies in its exploration of identity, independence, and the often painful pursuit of self-knowledge. The Portrait of a Lady remains a cornerstone of modern literature, offering timeless insight into the complexities of human relationships and the quiet strength required to live with integrity.

The Turn of the Screw, originally published in 1898, is a gothic ghost story novella written by Henry James. Due to its original content, the novella became a favourite text of academics who subscribe to New Criticism. The novella has had differing interpretations, often mutually exclusive. Many critics have tried to determine the exact nature of the evil hinted at by the story. However, others have argued that the true brilliance of the novella comes with its ability to create an intimate confusion and suspense for the reader.

The Aspern Papers is a novella set in Venice. A young man travels to the city and takes lodgings with an old woman--the former lover of the dead American poet Aspern. The man believes the old woman still has some letters from Aspern and he ingratiates himself with her niece in an attempt to find them. Suspense builds around the motives and actions of James'' masterfully drawn characters.

In "The Beast in the Jungle," Henry James delves deeply into the themes of isolation, unfulfilled potential, and the human condition through the lens of psychological realism. Set against a backdrop of late 19th-century European society, the novella explores the languid yet tense relationship between John Marcher and May Bartram, whose lives are haunted by the metaphorical "beast" that symbolizes Marcher''s fear of an impending catastrophe. James'' intricate prose and his mastery of interior monologue invite readers into the emotional labyrinth of his characters, while his subtle exploration of time and perception mirrors the natural uncertainty of existence itself. Henry James, an American expatriate and a key figure in the literary canon, often grappled with themes of identity and the intricacies of human relationships. Living in England for much of his life, he had a unique perspective that allowed him to bridge American and European literary traditions. "The Beast in the Jungle" articulates his existential concerns, possibly reflecting his own views on the fear of missed opportunities and the weight of personal destiny, which were prevalent in the fin-de-siècle literary landscape. Readers who appreciate profound psychological exploration and rich character development will find "The Beast in the Jungle" a compelling read. Through James'' poignant narrative, they are invited to confront the nature of their own aspirations and fears within the confines of society. This novella not only challenges us to recognize our own beasts but also invites reflection on the intricate dance between fate and choice.

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Henry James’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of James includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to James’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

The Beast in the Jungle is the story of John Marcher, the protagonist, and May Bartram, a woman he has known in the past. They meet at a luncheon and May remembers that John had been tormented in the past by the idea that he would meet a catastrophic end what this will be he does not know, but he refers to it as the beast in the jungle, metaphorically lying in wait to destroy his life.

The Portrait of a Lady is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The Atlantic Monthly and Macmillan''s Magazine in 1880-81 and then as a book in 1881. It is one of James''s most popular long novels and is regarded by critics as one of his finest.

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of Henry James’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of James includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to James’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

Neither beautiful in her looks nor brilliant in her manner, Catherine Sloper is an unlikely object for a sublime passion. Yet this is precisely what she appears to have inspired in the breast of Morris Townsend. But then who knows the secrets of the human heart? Love, the centuries have shown, is the strangest, most unpredictable of emotions. And, if money is at stake, even more unpredictable. For Catherine is the only daughter of one of New York''s wealthiest physicians. And Morris, though handsome, is both idle and impoverished.

One of the best books of all time, Henry James''s The Turn of the Screw. If you haven''t read this classic already, then you''re missing out - read The Turn of the Screw by Henry James today!