The Birthplace

by Henry James, Mark Rylance (Foreword by)

Overview

In this lesser known classic James explores in miniature the themes of his major fiction, enlivened by a characteristically keen eye for character and a wry appreciation of both pretension and the absurd

Blackport-on-Dwindle—"all granite, fog, and female fiction"—has been the Gedges' dull domain for some years. They leap, therefore, at the invitation to become the live-in guardians of the birthplace of their nation's literary hero. Anticipating romance and inspiration—in other words, everything that’s been lacking in their daily lives to date—they find instead that the house casts an altogether more sinister spell. Also included is "The Private Life," another little-known work in which James again considers the relevance of the artist’s persona—a theme with continued relevance in literature and the arts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781843912071
Publisher:	Hesperus Press
Publication date:	04/01/2012
Series:	Hesperus Classics
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	4.70(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Henry James (1843–1916) was a novelist, playwright, and literary critic. His works include The Beast in the Jungle, The Portrait of a Lady, and The Turn of the Screw. Mark Rylance is a Tony- and BAFTA-award winning actor. He was the first artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe in London.

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