The Portrait of a Lady - Volume 2

by Henry James

Overview

"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. The Portrait of a Lady is the story of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer, who in "affronting her destiny", finds it overwhelming. She inherits a large amount of money and subsequently becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. Like many of James's novels, it is set in Europe, mostly England and Italy. Generally regarded as the masterpiece of James's early period, this novel reflects James's continuing interest in the differences between the New World and the Old, often to the detriment of the former. It also treats in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and betrayal. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783958644564
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	01/31/2016
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	284
File size:	479 KB

About the Author

Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British author whose profound impact on literature continues to resonate today. Born into a wealthy and intellectually vibrant family in New York City, James was exposed to a rich cultural and intellectual environment from an early age. His father, Henry James Sr., was a theologian and philosopher, and his brother, William James, became a renowned psychologist and philosopher.James's literary career spanned over five decades, during which he produced a vast body of work including novels, short stories, and critical essays. His writing is celebrated for its psychological depth, intricate character development, and exploration of consciousness. Notable works such as "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Turn of the Screw" showcase his mastery in delving into the complexities of human experience and social dynamics.A cosmopolitan figure, James spent much of his life in Europe, particularly in England, where he became a British citizen in 1915. His transatlantic perspective enriched his narratives, often contrasting the cultural differences between America and Europe. This unique viewpoint made him a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century realism to 20th-century modernism.James was not without controversy. His dense prose and focus on the inner lives of characters sometimes alienated readers and critics alike. However, his innovative narrative techniques, such as the use of free indirect discourse, influenced a generation of writers, including Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.Championing the idea that fiction should be an art form, James's legacy endures in his contributions to literary theory and his insistence on the moral and aesthetic responsibilities of the novelist. His work remains a touchstone for discussions on narrative form, psychological realism, and the role of the artist in society.
Henry James, OM (15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916) was an American author regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James, Sr. and the brother of renowned philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James. (Wikipedia)

Date of Birth:

April 15, 1843

Date of Death:

February 28, 1916

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Place of Death:

London, England

Education:

Attended school in France and Switzerland; Harvard Law School, 1862-63