The Novels 1871-1880: Watch and Ward, Roderick Hudson, The Americans, The Europeans, Confidence (The Library of America) - Hardcover

James, Henry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521261198 ISBN 13: 9780521261197

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1984

Synopsis

The library of America is dedicated to publishing America's best and most significant writing in handsome, enduring volumes, featuring authoritative texts. Hailed as the "finest-looking, longest-lasting editions ever made" (The New Republic), Library of America volumes make a fine gift for any occasion. Now, with exactly one hundred volumes to choose from, there is a perfect gift for everyone.

About this title

About the Author

Henry James (1843-1916), born in New York City, was the son of noted religious philosopher Henry James, Sr., and brother of eminent psychologist and philosopher William James. He spent his early life in America and studied in Geneva, London and Paris during his adolescence to gain the worldly experience so prized by his father. He lived in Newport, went briefly to Harvard Law School, and in 1864 began to contribute both criticism and tales to magazines.

In 1869, and then in 1872-74, he paid visits to Europe and began his first novel, Roderick Hudson. Late in 1875 he settled in Paris, where he met Turgenev, Flaubert, and Zola, and wrote The American (1877). In December 1876 he moved to London, where two years later he achieved international fame with Daisy Miller. Other famous works include Washington Square (1880), The Portrait of a Lady (1881), The Princess Casamassima (1886), The Aspern Papers (1888), The Turn of the Screw (1898), and three large novels of the new century, The Wings of the Dove (1902), The Ambassadors (1903) and The Golden Bowl (1904). In 1905 he revisited the United States and wrote The American Scene (1907).

During his career he also wrote many works of criticism and travel. Although old and ailing, he threw himself into war work in 1914, and in 1915, a few months before his death, he became a British subject. In 1916 King George V conferred the Order of Merit on him. He died in London in February 1916.

Synopsis

The first volume in what will eventually be the complete James canon presents his five early novels, filled with sparkling dialogue, masterfully timed suspense, and the romance of youthful and artistic aspiration: Watch and Ward , Roderick Hudson , The American , The Europeans , and Confidence . They appear in their original early versions, without the revisions James added in his later years, revealing his true early style both its occasional naivete and its remarkable sharpness of observation.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521261198
• ISBN 13: 9780521261197
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 1300