Showing results by author "Henry James" in All Categories

Henry James' short but much acclaimed suspenseful novel, set in Venice, concerns an American editor's determination to acquire a collection of unpublished letters to the former mistress of a famous deceased poet. This Miss bordereau is now very elderly, living modestly in a dilpidated old palazzo with her shy, awkward and uncomely niece Tita, an unwitting "pawn" in the plot.

An editor and literary critic becomes obsessed with the life and work of poet Jeffrey Aspern, who long ago died at a Romantic and tragic young age. Now, the editor pursues the only living person to have known Aspern - the 80-year-old Juliana Bordereau. But more than memories of Aspern, Juliana has secreted away papers belonging to the poet - papers she would rather see burned than passed on to future generations.

Catherine Sloper, the heroine of this tragicomic tale set in mid-19th century New York, is absolutely ordinary in every way except for her exceptional capacities in love and loyalty. These latter qualities are of no interest to her father, the successful society Doctor who is constantly disappointed by his daughter's failure to be brilliant, either physically or intellectually. For this reason, he is highly suspicious when Morris Townsend begins to woo her and is convinced the handsome young man's interest is only in the fortune Catherine will eventually inherit.

James considers this book to be his masterpiece! Various "ambassadors" are sent to Paris to persuade Chad Newsome to return to his New England town and attend to his business interests there. One of these envoys, Lambert Strether, is so impressed with Chad's suavity and charm that he advises him to stay with Mme. de Vionnet in France.

During a trip to Europe, Christopher Newman, a wealthy American businessman, asks the charming Claire de Cintre to be his wife. To his dismay, he receives an icy reception from the heads of her family, who find Newman to be a vulgar example of the American privileged class. Brilliantly combining elements of comedy, tragedy, romance and melodrama, this tale of thwarted desire vividly contrasts nineteenth-century American and European manners.

The interwoven relationships of a close circle of friends involved in the launching of two young ladies into society and marriage are examined through repartee.

One of the most daunting ghost stories to ever be written, Henry James' The Turn of the Screw follows the transformation of Miles (age 10) and Flora (age eight) from well-behaved children to deceitful liars. When a governess comes to their country estate to look after the children, she and Flora are separately visited by a ghost; however Flora denies the experience and Miles claims to never have been visited by one, even when evidence supports an evil plot between the children and the ghosts.

Many critics consider this the best Henry James novelette, surpassing even The Turn of the Screw. Like that story, it has an ending that you will remember for a long time. The story concerns two young men visting the United States from London. They meet a pair of charming women who return the visit the following year in London. Romantic intrigues, miscommunication and cultural gaffs are plentiful in this short but delightful novel.

Henry James' signature theme - the American abroad - centers here on a chatterbox, provincial (not to say ignorant) daughter of a wealthy Schenectady industrialist, as she travels through Europe with her doting, vapid mother and rambunctious young brother. She meets up with one Mr. Winterbourne, another ex-patriate, with whom she flirts before coming to a sad end.

An anthology of short stories of spaceships, aliens, and the outer worlds by classic Science Fiction authors, from the Golden Age to the New Wave Era. This compilation includes stories by William Bender, Jr., Ray Bradbury, G. Gordon Dewey, Charles E. Fritch, Edward W. Ludwig, James V. McConnell, Stanley Mullen, Robert Silverberg, Jerry Sohl, Henry Slesar, and L.J. Stecher Jr.

Henry James' fascinating love triangle involves a male chauvinist, an ardent feminist, and the lovely gifted pawn, Verena Tarrant. As always, James' descriptions and dialogue delight from beginning to end!

Ralph Richardson presents The Liar, Four Meetings, and The Aspen Papers.

Prepare to be spellbound by "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James. This audiobook is a masterful exploration of psychological suspense and the uncanny. With James' intricate narrative, you'll be transported to a remote English country house, where a young governess cares for two enigmatic children. As you listen, you'll unravel the mysteries surrounding the estate, its eerie history, and the unsettling behavior of the children. The story is a chilling examination of the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, making it a classic in the genre of gothic horror.

"You must paint her just like that... as the Tragic Muse," suggests one of James' characters to 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, one of James' most fierily beautiful creations, a great actress indifferent to social reputation and triumphantly dedicated to her art.

This deeply sensitive and provocative collection includes "The Beast of the Jungle" (considered to be one of Henry James' best), "The Altar of the Dead", "The Birthplace", "The Liar", and "The Middle Years".

Embark on a literary journey with "The Figure in the Carpet" by Henry James. This audiobook immerses you in the world of literary criticism and hidden artistic intentions. As James intricately explores the relationship between authors, critics, and the secrets concealed within texts, you'll be captivated by a tale of intellectual intrigue and artistic mystery. With its exploration of the elusive "figure in the carpet" - the hidden meaning that binds a writer's work - the story invites you to question how well we truly understand the intentions of our favorite authors.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Roderick Hudson" by Henry James. This audiobook transports you into the vibrant art scene of 19th-century Europe, where the American sculptor Roderick Hudson seeks fame and love. James' narrative skillfully weaves together themes of artistic ambition, cultural clashes, and the complexities of human relationships. With its vivid character development and lush descriptions, the story offers a rich exploration of passion, creativity, and the pursuit of one's true self.

If you are looking for advice on money, health, or happy living, look no further than this collection of wisdom from the sages. An extensive gathering of advice from learned men and women throughout the ages.

Here are two terrifying and sobering stories of ghosts who will stop at nothing. In Henry James' "The Romance of Certain Old Clothes", a woman's envy of her dead sister threatens to destroy her. In "Lost Hearts", three children learn that a classical scholar's love of the past has led him into a terrible and bloody delusion.

The Altar of the Dead was first published in the collection Terminations in 1895. It is a fable of life and death significance which explores what happens when a man tries to keep the remembrance of his dead friends, to save them from being forgotten entirely in the rush of everyday events.