Henry James Knihy

Sladká Francie přinese obdivovatelům ovoce výlučně jako celek, a proto není moudré omezovat její krásy na pozlátko předváděné v Paříži. Svérázné kouty této různorodé země uhranuly i vyznavači pitoreskna Henrymu Jamesovi, a tak se jimi jako nejslavnější americký reprezentant zjemnělé tradice konce devatenáctého století kochá s týmž zaujetím, jaké ve svých románech věnoval třeba ladným liniím kávového šálku. Mladík z dobré newyorské rodiny, pro nějž byla francouzština vstupenkou do Starého světa, přitom prokáže sympatie k joie de vivre francouzského Jihu, elegantní styl a bystrozrak znalce umění. Ale ať už se toulavý spisovatel zabývá nabubřelostí některých zámků na Loiře, rozebírá rekonstrukci středověké pevnosti v Carcassonne či linie nejznámějších katedrál, ať obhlíží antické památky v Provenci nebo jen na pláži v Normandii glosuje rovnostářské poměry třetí francouzské republiky, vysvítá zpod tohoto něžného pošklebování cosi vážného, co předčí i zápisky jeho předchůdce Stendhala. James si cení neopakovatelného kouzla, jímž hostitelská země dýchá a jež je třeba uchovat, protože na něj poutník jinde na světě nenarazí. S odstupem jednoho a čtvrt století vypovídají autorovy črty mimo jiné o pravém smyslu moderního „bytí na cestě“, které se pod tlakem rychlosti a banalit změnilo v uniformní turistickou zábavu pro masy.

Henry James, narozený v Americe a později žijící v Británii, se ve své próze často zabývá tématy přesídlení Američanů do Evropy a reakcemi na starší evropskou civilizaci, včetně motivu „kažení nevinnosti“. Hlavní postavou je mladá Američanka Isabel Archerová, kterou po smrti otce přiveze teta do Anglie. Isabel, krásná a inteligentní, má mnoho nápadníků, ale odmítá nabídky, včetně sňatku s bohatým přítelem bratrance Ralpha, který je do ní zamilovaný, avšak kvůli nemoci se ženit nechce. V Římě se setkává s Gilbertem Osmondem, lehkovážným a sobeckým mužem, který vidí v Isabel příležitost k sňatku, neboť zdědila peníze po strýci. Isabel se do něj zamiluje a vezme si ho, přičemž ji k tomu podnítí i pletichářská madam Merlová. Později se dozvídá, že Osmondova dcera Pansy je také dcerou madam Merlové. Isabelin život se s manželstvím s Osmondem mění v utrpení, přesto se rozhodne setrvat, i když ji bývalý snoubenec láká k útěše. James zde zobrazuje střet mezi nezkaženou Isabel a sobeckými postavami, což vytváří dramatické situace a podtrhuje rozdíly v hodnotovém žebříčku amerického a evropského způsobu života, čímž se dílo stává vynikajícím příkladem moderní klasiky.

Novely tvoří vedle monumentálních románů druhé ohnisko díla Henryho Jamese. Tento svazek nabízí čtyři skvosty, jež dosud česky nevyšly. V kleci: Mladá žena – londýnská telegrafistka, zajatá „v kleci“ malinkaté poštovní pobočky – dešifruje v telegramech, které jí procházejí rukama, záchytné body soukromých životů. Nakonec se dozví víc, než si možná přála vědět. Školák: Předčasně vyzrálý chlapec, který vyrůstá v ulhané a rodině, se spřátelí se svým domácím učitelem, jediným dospělým, jemuž věří. Vyústění příběhu evokuje klasickou tragédii. Autor Beltraffia: Makabrózní zpráva, již o zoufalých rozbrojích uvnitř rodiny populárního anglického romanopisce podává jeho mladý americký ctitel. Oltář mrtvých: Protagonista příběhu se snaží uchovat vzpomínku na své mrtvé přátele, aby je uchránil před úplným zapomenutím v ruchu každodenních událostí. Potkává ženu, která jeho ideály sdílí – a poté zjistí, že mezi ně minulost položila nepřekročitelnou bariéru.

Příběh malé Maisie je vyprávění o holčičce, kterou rozvodový soud nepřiřkl ani jen matce, ani otci. Střídavě má pobývat u obou. Rozvedení rodiče v ní zprvu vidí báječný prostředek pro svou pomstychtivost, ale po čase o ni ztrácejí zájem, a Maisie postupně začíná lnout k svým nevlastním rodičům, novým partnerům otce a matky, ke staré guvernantce paní Wixové i dalšímu služebnictvu. Vztahy jejich rodičů, vlastních i nevlastních, vstupují stále do nových kombinací, a Maisie –⁠ s vrozenou nevinností –⁠ uprostřed střetávajícího se světa dospělých je ponechána, aby si sama vytvořila jakýsi citlivý pohled na dobro a zlo.

Jamesův kratší román z roku 1881, jímž vrcholí první období jeho rozsáhlé tvorby, je pronikavou sondou do lidské psychiky a jemnou studií lidských vztahů. Nehezká, nepříliš chytrá dívka Catherine Sloperová, která žije se svým otcem, významným newyorským lékařem, v domě na Washingtonově náměstí, se zamiluje do švarného, bystrého mladého muže Morrise Townsenda. Otec jejich vztahu nepřeje, neboť se právem domnívá, že dceřin nápadník usiluje pouze o její dědictví. Pohrozí Catherine, že ji vydědí, vezme-li si Townsenda. Když se to její ctitel dozví, zmizí ze scény. Catherine se po čase otevírají oči a Townsendovy zištné motivy ji hluboce raní. Dokáže se však ze zajetí zaslepeného citu vymanit a objektivně nazřít pravdu o sobě, o Townsendovi i o svém ryze racionálním otci. Marný je pak opožděný pokus Townsenda znovu po letech Catherine získat, její těžce vykoupená životní rovnováha a osobní integrita je neotřesitelná. Jamesův příběh o ztracených iluzích je průzračným portrétem dívčí duše a v plné míře potvrzuje, že James patří k zakladatelům moderního psychologického románu.

Ve dvaadvaceti črtách z cest, které shrnul do svazku Italské hodiny, skládá moderní americký klasik Henry James ódu na milovanou Itálii se stejnou zevrubností, s jakou se v psychologických prózách zajímá o „dům lidské duše“. Zvláštní stav „mysli na toulkách“ ponouká autora zkoumat povahu civilizačního jevu zvaného turismus. Během čtyřicetiletého putování po zemi, jež zažila vzestup i pád nejslavnější starověké říše a zvedá se z popela jako znovusjednocený stát, neuniknou Jamesovu bystrozraku ani první excesy masového cestování v časech, kdy se na silnicích teprve začínaly ozývat klaksony automobilů a památková péče byla v plenkách. Čtenář užasne, nakolik jsou autorovy postřehy stále aktuální jak na nejnavštěvovanějších místech Itálie, tak v zákoutích daleko od hlučícího davu. Ale ať už se James trefuje do babylonského srocení na benátské laguně, ať si dobírá politické poměry odrážející se v ulicích věčného Říma, ať se kochá zaostalostí venkova nebo se koří tisícileté kráse Florencie, Sieny či Ravenny, poslouží milovníkovi Itálie jako zasvěcený průvodce nejvyšší třídy. Estetická vnímavost se v jeho osobitém náhledu snoubí s jiskrným nadhledem a tradicí anglosaského humoru, a tak výsledek této vášně k sladké Itálii zastiňuje cestopisy jeho nejtoulavějších amerických předchůdců: Marka Twaina a Hermana Melvilla.

Psychologická novela amerického realisty 19. století o milostném vztahu stárnoucí ženy k mladému muži, který se snaží jejím prostřednictvím získat některé dokumenty z pozůstalosti slavného básníka. Děj románu se odehrává v Benátkách, v romantickém prostředí starého paláce a při projížďkách gondolou. Z hlediska psychologického jde o vyjádření závažnosti milostného vztahu, který není opětován a kterého nemůže být zneužito.

Henrymu Jamesovi je v Anglii dobře, tak dobře, že ji poctil magií výřečnosti, v níž svého času nenašel mezi Američany konkurenta. Při objevování krás země, kterou coby odchovanec měšťanského New Yorku na sklonku života přijal za náhradní vlast, se jeho bystrozrak uplatní nejen ve chvílích, kdy se fascinovaně zahledí na Londýn, babylonskou podstatou děsivý a zároveň lákavý mumraj lidských typů. Jasnozřivě se projeví i na vrcholcích majestátních útesů, na sedačce obyčejné lokálky, na chodbách sirotčince nebo na výpravách, při nichž spisovatel z pozic vlažného křesťana glosuje zdánlivě ustrnulý klid zdejších katedrálních městeček. Stranou od projevů rodícího se masového turismu putuje autor pěšky, na bicyklu i ve člunu za dávnou historií ostrovní velmoci, jelikož malebné trosky ohlodané zubem času ho odedávna vábí nejvíc. Kráčí ve stopách kolegů Thackerayho, Dickense či Scotta a všímá si pozůstatků „veselé Anglie“ ze Shakespearových dob. To dědictví je přece patrné i nadále: v rozkochání pozdní viktoriánské éry, která se navzdory útlocitně pěstěné uměřenosti tak ráda baví, zvlášť když se namane neděle, park, neřkuli dostih v Derby. Angličan svého času vynašel způsob, jak pohodlně žít a současně si uhájit čest i svobodu volby – a o tom jednadvacet črt láskyplně ostřených Jamesovou „dvojitě broušenou ironií“ vypovídá ze všeho nejvíc.

Duchařské příběhy tvoří necelou desetinu povídkářské tvorby Henryho Jamese, přitom dobře ilustrují její postupný rozvoj, rané strašidelné příběhy jako „Romance o starých šatech“ (1868) či „Nájemné od ducha” (1876) se časem psychologizují a nabývají na složitosti, pozdější „Přátelé přátel“ (1896) upomínají na známou novelu Utažení šroubu a pozdní „Veselé nároží“ (1908) se vyznačuje propracovanou strukturou a existenciálním přesahem.

Jamesova próza Utažení šroubu z roku 1898 sice nese jasné hororové prvky, její vyznění a symbolické poselství je však mnohem složitější než u běžného duchařského příběhu. Hlavní zápletka je přitom vcelku průzračná – guvernantka osiřelých sourozenců zjistí, že pravý život jejích svěřenců se odehrává ve spojení s již mrtvými osobami, sluhou a bývalou vychovatelkou. I ona se s nimi setkává, chce děti před přízraky ochránit, ale neúmyslně tak způsobí neodvratitelnou tragédii. „Mámo co dělat s příběhem,“ napsal o knize překladatel Radoslav Nenadál, „který přerůstá ve varovné podobenství o škodlivosti násilí a všech překážek stavěných do cesty svobodného rozvoje mladého člověka… Není však třeba vůbec zapotřebí tento homosexuální podtext zvlášť zdůrazňovat nebo se o něj přít, stačí brát tíhnutí dětí k oněm přízrakům krásných rozesněných nocí, které guvernantce naopak připadají tak úděsné, jako touhu po realizaci dětské fantazie, a především po právu na vlastní volbu toho, jaký budu a jaký cítím, že musím být… James předvedl krajní případ. Nemůže-li mladý člověk žít dál tak, jak odpovídá jeho představám a jeho bytostnému založení, hyne jako květina ve tmě nebo v suchu.“...

Novela Henryho Jamese z roku 1878, Daisy Millerová, pojednává o mladé ženě, která svým liberálním chováním pobuřovala viktoriánskou společnost. James staví do kontrastu psychologii mladé ženy a tradice společnosti, v níž je Daisy Millerová jasně na okraji. V dopisech James Daisy označil za oběť „společenského kraválu“, jehož si ona sama buď vůbec nevšímá, nebo v něm vězí až po krk.V kontextu romantického příběhu vyvstává paradox ze života autora. Henry James se totiž nikdy neoženil a zůstává otázkou, zda vůbec někdy prožil nějaký milostný vztah. V roce 1974 byla novela zfilmována Peterem Bogdanovichem se Cybill Shepherdovou v hlavní roli.

Tři novely (Daisy Millerová, Mistrova lekce, Šelma v džungli) angloamerického spisovatele (1843–1916), jenž svým dílem razil cestu psychologickému realismu. Společným rysem novel je to, „že obsahují příběhy velkých životních nedorozumění a omylů, jejichž následky vyznívají tu tragicky, tu komicky“.

(Book Jacket Status: Not Jacketed) Contents of Volume 1 A Landscape-PainterA Light ManA Passionate PilgrimThe Madonna of the FutureMadame de MauvesBenvolioDaisy Miller: A StudyAn International EpisodeThe Pension BeaurepasThe Point of ViewThe Siege of LondonLady BarberinaThe Author of "Beltraffio"Louisa PallantThe Aspern PapersThe LiarThe Lesson of the MasterThe PatagoniaThe PupilThe MarriagesThe ChaperonSir Edmund Orme

Are there ghosts at Bly, or is the governess going mad? A young woman starts her first job as a governess in charge of two young orphans, Miles and Flora, at a country house called Bly. The children are beautiful and well-behaved, but are they too good to be true? When the governess starts to experience strange visions, she suspects that the children are hiding a terrible secret. Sú tu v Bly duchovia, alebo sa opatrovateľka zbláznila? Mladá žena nastúpila prvýkrát do práce ako opatrovateľka, ktorá má na starosti dve malé siroty, Milesa a Floru, žijúce vo vidieckom dome zvanom Bly. Deti sú úžasné a vychované, ale nie je to príliš dobré, aby to bola pravda? Keď začne opatrovateľka vidieť zvláštne veci, začne tušiť, že deti majú desivé tajomstvo.

Henry James, an influential Anglo-American novelist of the late 19th century, explored character perspectives in his works, likening his style to impressionist painting. Born into a literary family, he was the son of a clergyman and brother to philosopher William James. Although he spent his early years in the United States, he became a British citizen in 1915. James championed the idea that writers should enjoy the utmost freedom in their artistic expression, a principle reflected in both his novels and literary criticism.

Henry James offers a vivid account of his six-week journey through various provincial towns in France, capturing the charm and character of places like Tours, Bourges, Nantes, Toulouse, and Arles. Through his keen observations, he explores the cultural nuances, landscapes, and local life, providing readers with a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the beauty and diversity of French provinces during the late 19th century.

"For other novelists the value of Henry James's Notebooks is immense and to brood over them a major experience. The glow of the great impresario is on the pages. They are occasionally readable and endlessly stimulating, often moving and are ocasionally relieved by a drop of gossip."—V. S. Pritchett, New Statesman "The Notebooks take us into his study, and here we can observe him, at last, in the very act of creation at his writing table."—Leon Edel, Atlantic Monthly "A document of prime importance."—Edmund Wilson, New Yorker

Features Nick Dormer, the young Englishman who, during the course of the novel, will courageously resist the glittering Parliamentary career desired for him by his family, in order to paint. His progress is counterpointed by the 'Tragic Muse' of the title, Miriam Rooth, a great actress indifferent to social reputation, and dedicated to her art.

On November 04th, 1922, after months of unsuccessful expeditions and excavations, a young Howard Carter was close to give up his Egyptian experience in the Valley of the Kings when, unexpectedly, he and his team discovered one of the most important masterpieces of the history of archaeology.

This classic collection includes the British author's most influential works, from The Portrait of a Lady to the Aspern Papers. Part of a beautiful series of classic fiction, this title brings Henry James back to life and reminds the world just what a wonderful writer he was.

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. The Wings of the Dove, a Level 5 Reader, is B1 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to four clauses, introducing present perfect continuous, past perfect, reported speech and second conditional. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear regularly. Kate and Densher are in love and want to get married. Densher is a poor journalist, and Kate's aunt tells her that she must marry someone rich. But Kate has a plan. She decides to deceive Milly, a sweet young heiress who is very ill. She wants Milly to marry Densher so he can get her money after she dies. Will Kate's plan succeed?

Exploring the craft of writing, this collection features Henry James's insightful essays, including the renowned "The Art of Fiction." Delving into the works of literary giants like George Eliot, Ivan Turgenev, and Honoré de Balzac, James's writings are characterized by their wit, erudition, and fervor. This selection offers a rich experience for anyone who appreciates the intricacies of literature and the art of storytelling.

Washington Square, The portrait of a lady, The Bostonians.

Essex in February. Cold enough to catch your death.

Lambert Strether is sent by his wealthy fiancee, Mrs Newsome, to Paris to bring home her son Chad who is required to take charge of the family business. When Strether arrives he discovers the young man much changed by his old world environment and his relations with the Countess de Vionette.

Set against the backdrop of impressionism, this novella weaves a haunting tale filled with ambiguity and unreliable characters, making it a staple in literary studies. Alongside the titular ghost story, readers will find two additional short stories, "The Romance of Certain Old Clothes" and "The Ghostly Rental," showcasing Henry James's talent for crafting eerie narratives. This edition offers young readers engaging plots and accessible writing, introducing them to a significant yet often overlooked literary movement.

The book is a reproduction of a historical work, presented in large print to enhance accessibility for readers with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a house dedicated to making historical texts more readable, this edition aims to preserve the original while catering to the needs of those who may struggle with standard print sizes.

Henry James, an influential Anglo-American novelist of the late 19th century, explored complex character perspectives in his works, drawing parallels to impressionist art. Born to a prominent family, he spent much of his life in England and became a British citizen in 1915. His literary criticism emphasized the importance of creative freedom for writers, advocating for diverse viewpoints in storytelling. James's legacy is marked by his unique narrative style and the depth of his characterizations, making him a significant figure in literature.

Hyacinth Robinson, a talented bookbinder, becomes entwined in radical politics after meeting revolutionary Paul Muniment and the enchanting Princess Casamassima. As he grapples with his commitment to a terrorist assassination, he finds himself torn between love and ideology.

Travelling in Europe with her family, Daisy Miller, an exquisitely beautiful young American woman, presents her fellow-countryman Winterbourne with a dilemma he cannot resolve. Is she deliberately flouting social convention in the outspoken way she talks and acts, or is she simply ignorant of those conventions? When she strikes up an intimate friendship with an urbane young Italian, her flat refusal to observe the codes of respectable behaviour leave her perilously exposed. In Daisy Miller James created his first great portrait of the enigmatic and dangerously independent American woman, a figure who would come to dominate his later masterpieces.

Romantic entanglements unfold throughout the narrative, showcasing a range of relationships and emotional complexities. As the characters navigate their connections, the story builds towards a nuanced yet satisfying conclusion, reflecting the intricacies of love and confidence in human interactions. Henry James weaves a tale that balances realism with the charm of romance, making for an engaging read.

The American expatriate novelist recounts his childhood, his personal discovery of Europe, his work as a writer, and his famous family

Henry James was not only a novelist who wrote with the elegance of Marcel Proust, he was also a renowned travel writer and wrote prolifically for a dedicated following in American magazines, newspapers and journals. In this volume his best work on Italy, Britain, and the US was collected for a wider audience.

A gripping prequel to R. D. Wingfield's A TOUCH OF FROST, perfect for fans of David Jason's Jack Frost and readers who love Stuart MacBride, Peter James and Lynda La Plante. November 1982. Itâe(tm)s been one of the worst days of DS Jack Frostâe(tm)s life. He has buried his wife Mary, and must now endure the wake, attended by all of Dentonâe(tm)s finest. All, that is, apart from DC Sue Clarke, who has been summoned to the discovery of a human foot in a farmerâe(tm)s field. And things get worse. Local entrepreneur Harry Baskin is shot inside his club and a valuable painting goes missing. As the week goes on, a cyclist is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Frost is on the case, but another disaster âe" one he is entirely unprepared for âe" is about to strikeâe¦

Desperate family infighting drives the narrative of this macabre short story, culminating in a tragic conclusion. While the father is a novelist, the focus shifts to the dynamics within his family rather than his literary pursuits, although his concerns as a writer subtly influence the unfolding events. First published in 1884, this tale by Henry James delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the dark consequences of their conflicts.

Henry James, an influential Anglo-American novelist, was a key literary figure of the late 19th century. Born to a clergyman, he was part of a notable intellectual family, including his brother William, a psychologist, and sister Alice, a writer. Although he spent his early years in the U.S., he later became a British citizen. James's narrative style often reflects a character's perspective, drawing comparisons to impressionist art. He advocated for creative freedom in literature, emphasizing the importance of individual viewpoints in storytelling.

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. Washington Square, a Level 4 Reader, is A2+ in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing more complex uses of present perfect simple, passives, phrasal verbs and simple relative clauses. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear regularly. Catherine Sloper is not pretty or clever, but she is rich. She lives in New York with her father, the respected doctor, Austin Sloper. One day, Catherine meets a charming man called Maurice Townsend, who wants to marry her. But does Maurice really love Catherine, or does he just want her money? Doctor Sloper is sure that he knows the answer.

“One of the most satisfying of all letter-writers.” — Spectator Henry James’s beautiful letters to his friend and inspiration, the unconventional art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner Surrounded by the artists, writers and musicians who made up her court in Boston as they did in Venice, Isabella Stewart Gardner, a passionate art collector, was as revered and sought after as royalty. Henry James was inspired by the rich and powerful Gardner, as well as by the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice, when he wrote his novel The Wings of the Dove. Gardner was to recreate a larger-than-life version of Palazzo Barbaro in Boston, which is now the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These dazzling letters bring to life James’s passion for Venice and the Palazzo Barbaro, and serve as an introduction to the fascinating world of Isabella Stewart Gardner herself.

The second in the prequel series to R D Wingfield's A TOUCH OF FROST, for fans of David Jason's Jack Frost and crime-fiction readers.

An original novel in which Henry James, Edith Wharton, Sigmund Freud, and Carl Jung meet in a plot of sex, love, murder, and memory. Only erudite inspector Maurice Le Blanc is able to cope with the literary and psychological geniuses who are involved in this murder case.

Wingfield's A TOUCH OF FROST, for anyone who loved watching David Jason as Jack Frost, and readers of sharply plotted detective crime novels. Denton is preparing for a wedding, with less than a week to go until Detective Sergeant Waters marries Kim Myles.

Critical essays and excerpts from James' notebooks, letters, and prefaces accompany nine stories that deal with ghosts, tyranny, the impact of Europe on Americans, and social manipulation

Eugenia, Baroness Munster, wife of a German princeling who wishes to be rid of her, crosses the ocean with her brother Felix to seek out their American relatives. Their voyage is prompted - so Eugenia says - by natural affection; but the Baroness has also come to seek her fortune. The advent of these visitors is viewed by the Wentworths, in the suburbs of Boston, with wonder and some apprehension. Of these, not the least alarming is the fascination exerted by the brilliant Eugenia on her impressionable cousins and their more wordly neighbor, Robert Acton. Can her restless spirit, which might find a safe haven in the New Englander's solid wealth, anchor itself to their solid principles? Or, as the Baroness phrases the question, who are these people, to whom fibbing is not pleasing? While Eugenia seems set permanently to unsetle them all, Felix, painter of trifling sketches, would diffuse among his hosts a healing charm, easing them in and out of various amorous complications, he has, as one might say of the novel itself, 'no fear of not being, in the end, agreeable.' The text of this World's Classics paperback is based on the first English edition (1878).

A body on an embankment. A blast at a farmhouse. A burden on Colchester CID

Henry James was arguably the greatest practitioner of what has been called the psychological ghost story. This edition includes all ten of his tales in this genre.

Denton, 1981. Britain is in recession, the IRA is becoming increasingly active and the country's on alert for an outbreak of rabies. Detective Sergeant Jack Frost is working under his mentor and inspiration DI Bert Williams, and coping badly with his increasingly strained marriage. Probably not helped by the fact that he never goes home...

Cultural distinctions and social misunderstandings drive the narrative, as two British gentlemen meet American women, leading to comedic interactions that reveal the contrasts between hospitality and aloofness across the Atlantic. The story features characters like Willy Woodley and Mr. Westgate, who serve as mere plot devices rather than fully developed figures, resulting in a narrative that lacks cohesion and thematic depth. James skillfully explores the complexities of love and nostalgia within a bi-national context, highlighting the comedic elements of manners and faux pas.

The Awkward Age is a novel by Henry James. Originally conceived as a brief, light story about the complications created in her family's social set by a young girl coming of age, the novel expanded into a general treatment of decadence and corruption in English fin de si�cle life.

The third novel in the Essex-based series - a real estate deal, a racist, and the Robin Hood pub hold the key to a killing...

Milly Theale, 'the heiress of all the ages', is imaged as a dove, a princess, a Renaissance beauty, but these symbols come at a dreadful cost. By the end of the novel we know, 'We shall never be again as we were'.

The close relationship between American millionaire Adam Venuer and his daughter Maggie threatens their respective marriages

This light-hearted masterpiece tells of the influence Eugenia and her brother Felix exert on their Bostonian cousins when they visit the New World. In the hope of making a wealthy marriage, Eugenia, the Baroness Münster, and her younger brother, the artist Felix, descend on the Wentworths, in Boston. Installed in a nearby house, they become close friends with the younger Wentworths - Gertrude, Charlotte and Clifford. Eugenia's wit, guile and sophistication, and Felix's debonair vivacity from an uneasy alliance with the Puritan morality and the frugal, domestic virtues of the Americans. A rich and delicately balanced comedy of manners, The Europeans weighs the values of the established order against those of New England society, but makes no simple judgements, only subtle contrasts and beautifully observed comparisons. Librarian note: alternative cover edition - ISBN 0140621954

Henry James, an influential Anglo-American novelist of the late 19th century, was noted for his unique narrative style, often presenting stories from a character's perspective, akin to impressionist art. Born into a literary family, he spent his formative years in the U.S. before settling in England, where he became a British citizen in 1915. His literary criticism emphasized the importance of creative freedom for writers, reflecting his belief in diverse interpretations of the world. His connections to notable figures, including his brother William, further highlight his literary significance.

Focusing on Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary contributions, Henry James offers an in-depth analysis of Hawthorne's novels and selected short stories, alongside insights into his life and nonfiction work. The book sparked controversy, particularly for James's critique of American life, where he identifies elements he believes are lacking in its novelistic landscape. This critical examination not only highlights Hawthorne's significance but also reflects on the broader context of American literature during that era.

In The turn of the Screw, the story unfolds with the arrival of a new governess at a remote country estate. She has been hired by the uncle of two young orphans to take complete charge of the children's lives and upbringing. Her first peaceful weeks are disturbed by the apparition of the ghosts of two evil servants who once served in the house. In Daisy Miller, a young American traveling abroad for the first time, openly ignores the rigid European social code of the day and earns the disapproval of her fellow Americans.

Preparing to marry, Owen Gereth asks his widowed mother to move out of the family manse, leaving its glorious objects to him and his bride. Mrs Gereth disapproves of her would-be daughter-in-law and enlists a young friend named Fleda Vetch to save the collectibles and her son.

The novella explores the complex relationship between a young writer, Paul Overt, and his idol, the renowned novelist Henry St. George. As Overt seeks guidance from St. George, themes of ambition, mentorship, and the struggles of artistic integrity emerge. The narrative delves into the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with the expectations of the literary world, ultimately revealing the nuanced dynamics between teacher and student in the pursuit of creative fulfillment.

Exploring the contrast between a sheltered scholar and a streetwise pragmatist, the narrative delves into philosophical themes through rich character profiles. Set against the backdrop of Homburg before gambling was banned, the story captures a vibrant scene where an orchestra plays, evoking memories and reflections. Written in chapters, this work showcases Henry James' ability to weave complex ideas into engaging storytelling, similar to his other renowned novels. The atmosphere of the Kursaal terrace enhances the exploration of human experiences and connections.

In the hope of making a wealthy marriage, Eugenia, the Baroness M©ơnster, and her younger brother, the artist Felix, descend on the Wentworths, in Boston. Installed in a nearby house, they become close friends with the younger Wentworths, Gertrude, Charlotte and Clifford. Eugenia's wit, guile and sophistication, and Felix's debonair vivacity form an uneasy alliance with the Puritan morality and the frugal, domestic virtues of the Americans. A rich and delicately balanced commedy of manners, The Europeans weighs the values of the established order against thos of New England society, but makes no simple judgements, only subtle contrasts and beautifully observed comparisons.

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys. A young woman accepts her first job as a governess and goes to Bly, a large country house in England. There she teaches a young brother and sister. But the governess soon starts to see ghosts and tries to protect the children from them.

'A fast-moving thriller. I was totally absorbed by it' ELLY GRIFFITHS 'Vivid and compelling, with great evocation of the 1980s period' PETER JAMES 'A masterclass in place and landscape' CHRISTIE WATSON PERFECT FOR FANS OF PETER JAMES AND STUART MACBRIDE. January 1983, Blackwater Estuary A new year brings a new danger to the Essex shoreline. An illicit shipment, bound for Colchester - 100 kilograms of powder that will frantically accelerate tensions in the historic town, and leave its own murderous trace. Detective Inspector Nick Lowry, and his fellow officers Daniel Kenton and Jane Gabriel must now develop a tolerance to one another, and show their own substance, to save Britain's oldest settlement from a new, unsettling enemy.

Viewed from Mt. Vernon Street, the problem of life was as simple as it was classic, Politics offered no difficulties, for there the moral law was a sure guide. Social perfection was also sure, because human nature worked for good, and three instruments were all she asked Suffrage, Common Schools, and Press. On these points doubt was forbidden. Education was divine, and man needed only a correct knowledge of fact to reach perfection.

Set in Paris, this short novel explores the humorous fallout from scandalous truths about a local family that are exposed in an American gossip magazine. The narrative cleverly intertwines themes of reputation and societal perception, showcasing Henry James's wit and keen observations of both American and European cultures. As the characters navigate the ensuing chaos, the story unfolds with a lighthearted tone, reflecting the complexities of social dynamics in a vibrant city.

On the occasion of the centenary of the Master's death, a new collection of the acclaimed novelist's travel writing, taking readers from the American towns of upstate New York to villages in rural Tuscany.

Regarded by many as James's greatest achievement in short fiction, "The Beast in the Jungle" is a portrait of a man alienated from life and love with a secret neither he nor James can talk about. "The Jolly Corner" and "The Altar of the Dead" are two tales that explore the complex interlacings of loss, love and the ever-present past in the lives of their protagonists.

`You you a nun; you with your beauty defaced and your nature wasted you behind locks and bars! Never, never, if I can prevent it!' A wealthy American man of business descends on Europe in search of a wife to make his fortune complete. In Paris Christopher Newman is introduced to Claire de Cintre, daughter of the ancient House of Bellegarde, and to Valentin, her charming young brother. His bid for Claire's hand receives an icy welcome from the heads of the family, an elder brother and their formidable mother, the old Marquise. Can they stomach his manners for the sake of his dollars? Out of this classic collision between the old world and the new, James weaves a fable of thwarted desire that shifts between comedy, tragedy, romance and melodrama a fable which in the later version printed here takes on some of the subtleties associated with this greatest novels.

A masterpiece by the great American realist Henry James, Daisy Miller is the story of an innocent girl's love and recognition in a society where respectable behaviour counts for everything.[Macmillan]

Daisy Miller is one of Henry James's most attractive heroines: she represents youth and frivolity. As a tourist in Italy, her American freedom and freshness of spirit come up against the corruption and hypocrisy of European manners. From its first publication, readers on both sides of the Atlantic have quarrelled about her, defending or attacking the liberties that Daisy takes and the conventions that she ignores. All three tales in this collection, Daisy Miller, An International Episode and Lady Barbarina, express James's most notable subject, 'the international theme', the encounters, romantic and cultural, between Americans and Europeans. His heroes and heroines approach each other on unfamiliar ground with new freedoms, yet find themselves unexpectedly hampered by old constraints. In An International Episode, an English lord visiting Newport, Rhode Island, falls in love with an American girl, but their relationship becomes more complicated when she travels to London. In the light-hearted comedy Lady Barbarina, a rich young American seeks an English aristocratic bride. The unusual outcomes of these three tales pose a number of social questions about marriage and the traditional roles of men and women. Is an international marriage symbolic of the highest cultural fusion of values or is it an old style raid and capture? Is marriage to remain the feminine destination?

This publication focuses on making historical works accessible to individuals with impaired vision through large print. Megali, the publishing house behind this initiative, is dedicated to reproducing original texts to enhance readability and preserve important literature for future generations.

This Modern Library Paperback Classics edition brings together one of literature's most famous ghost stories and one of Henry James's most unusual novellas. In The Turn of the Screw, a governess is haunted by ghosts from her young charges past; Virginia Woolf said of this masterpiece of psychological ambiguity and suggestion, We are afraid of something unnamed, of something, perhaps, in ourselves...Henry James...can still make us afraid of the dark.In his rarely anthologized novella In the Cage, James brings his incomparable powers of observation to the story of a clever, rebellious heroine of Britain's lower middle class. Hortense Calisher, in her Introduction, calls it a delicious story, the more so because it confounds what we expect from James.

James's troubling late-Victorian mystery of an unsolved literary riddle and sudden death has inspired endless speculation.

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.

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century art dealings, the narrative explores themes of nationalism and the value of cultural heritage. The story follows Lord Theign, who faces pressure to sell a valuable painting to settle his daughter's debts. Art critic Hugh Crimble argues against the sale, igniting public sentiment. As tensions rise, Theign ultimately decides to gift a rare artwork to the National Gallery instead, supported by his daughter Lady Grace and friend Lady Sandgate. The plot intertwines personal stakes with broader cultural implications.

An unsettling new collection of Henry James's best short stories exploring ghosts and the uncanny 'There had been a moment when I believed I recognised, faint and far, the cry of a child; there had been another when I found myself just consciously starting as at the passage, before my door, of a light footstep' 'I see ghosts everywhere', wrote Henry James, who retained a fascination with the supernatural and sensational throughout his writing career. This new collection brings together eight of James's tales exploring the uncanny, including his infamous ghost story, 'The Turn of the Screw', a work saturated with evil, in which a fraught governess becomes convinced that malicious spirits are menacing the children in her care. The other masterly works here include 'The Jolly Corner', 'Owen Wingrave' and further tales of visitations, premonitions, madness, grief and family secrets, where the living are just as mysterious and unknowable as the dead. With an introduction and notes by Susie Boyt General Editor Philip Horne

Set in England, this novella explores the tension between American and European cultures, showcasing Henry James' fascination with their contrasts. As the narrative unfolds, the clash between the Old World and the New escalates, culminating in an ironic conclusion. Originally published in 1871, it was later included in the New York Edition of his works, reflecting its significance in James' literary journey.

When Chadwick Newsome becomes entangled in a liaison dangereux with a Parisian temptress, his overbearing mother deploys her future husband - the aimable Strether - as an ambassador to engineer his safe return. Strether soon deserts to Chadwick's side, initiating a tale of mistaken intentions.