Showing results by author "Henry James" in All Categories

This terse and startling novel is the story of a struggle for possession and of its devastating consequences. Three women seek to secure the affections of one man, while he, in turn, tries to satisfy them all. But in the middle of this contest of wills stands his unwitting and vulnerable young daughter. The conclusion of The Other House makes it one of the most disturbing and memorable of Henry James' depictions of the uncontrollable passions that lie beneath the polished veneer of civilized life.

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' 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!

Widely recognized as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories, this classic tale of moral degradation concerns the sinister transformation of two innocent children into flagrant liars and hypocrites. The story begins when a governess arrives at an English country estate to look after Miles, aged 10, and Flora, eight. At first, everything appears normal, but then events gradually begin to weave a spell of psychological terror.

After the collapse of her marriage to an illustrious German prince, Baroness Eugenia Münster arrives in America with her brother, in search of wealthy New England relatives. The duo have an immediate impact on their American cousins, the Wentworths. The Baroness captures the eye of young Clifford Wentworth, and his girlfriend's older brother Robert; meanwhile, Felix falls for his American cousin Gertrude. The Wentworths are overawed by their European cousins and their frivolous lifestyle. What unfolds is a delightful comedy of manners.

"The American" is a novel by Henry James was originally published as a serial in "The Atlantic Monthly" in 1876-1877 and then as a book in 1877. The novel is an uneasy combination of social comedy and melodrama concerning the adventures and misadventures of Christopher Newman, an essentially good-hearted but rather gauche American businessman on his first tour of Europe. Newman is looking for a world different from the simple, harsh realities of 19th century American business.

When a handsome young man begins to court Catherine Sloper, she feels she is very lucky. She is a quiet, gentle girl, but neither beautiful nor clever; no one had ever admired her before, or come to the front parlour of her home in Washington Square to whisper soft words of love to her. But in New York in the 1840s young ladies are not free to marry where they please. Catherine must have her father’s permission, and Dr Sloper is a rich man.

The novel tells the story of beautiful, intelligent, and headstrong Isabel Archer, as she leaves her native America and embarks on a journey of self discovery in Europe. Published as a book in 1881, it explores his familiar themes including the conflict between American individualism and European social custom and the situation of Americans in Europe. It also treats in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, responsibility, betrayal, and sexuality.

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

Originally published in 1880 as a serial in Cornhill Magazine and Harper's New Monthly Magazine, "Washington Square" is a structurally simple tragicomedy that recounts the conflict between a dull but sweet daughter and her brilliant, domineering father. The plot of the novel is based upon a true story told to James by his close friend, British actress Fanny Kemble. The book is often compared to Jane Austen's work for the clarity and grace of its prose and its intense focus on family relationships.

It's midnight. Turn out the lights, cuddle with your true love, and shiver to fright-meisters Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H. P. Lovecraft. Quicken your pulse with the elegant terror of Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Guy de Maupassant. Chortle at the black glee of H. H. Munro and Ambrose Bierce.

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.

Abou Ben Adhem awakens to find an angel within his room writing the names of those who love The Lord inside a book of gold. To his shock, he discovers his is name will not be added and learns of the fate awaiting him.

One of Henry James’ main themes was the interaction between the Old World and the New. Restless Baroness Eugenia Munster and her charming bohemian brother Felix are visiting their American cousins in Boston, New England. The effect these two extravagant characters have on their austere Puritan relations forms the substance of the book and is told in a series of scenes or ‘sketches’.

Miss Daisy, una muchacha americana hermosa y libre de mediados del siglo XIX, pasa unas semanas en Suiza para continuar después su periplo europeo en Roma. Su belleza y comportamiento desenfadado deslumbran al joven Winterboune, y a su vez irrita a la tía del joven, paradigma de la rígida sociedad de la época.

Mystery stories - not exactly the genre you'd typically associate with Henry James. The three stories in this collection, however, explore the mysteries of the human psyche and the human heart. This collection contains "A Light Man", "The Madonna of the Future", and "The Figure in the Carpet."

Fully restored and remastered, Heritage Media presents the greatest of vintage artists in classic dramas of the early America’s. Here is the legendary Ralph Richardson starring in ‘The Liar’ and 'Four Meetings' adapted from the original story by Henry James.Theatre Royal is a unique series of classic radio dramas produced in the 1950's by the late Harry Alan Towers. Starring the leading theatre artists of the day it is the only series of radio dramas in which Laurence Olivier ever appeared.

A BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime recording of Samuel West reading from the novella The Aspern Papers by Henry James, set against the decaying grandeur of Venice. Originally broadcast 26 April - 4 May 2010. Henry James took as inspiration for this tale the story of a mistress of Byron's who outlived the poet into lonely old age. He transposed the setting to Venice and cast the city he loved as a character in a taut narrative of literary theft and deception.

Embark on a journey of artistic passion and personal sacrifices in "The Lesson of the Master" by Henry James. This audiobook takes you into the world of a young writer torn between his admiration for a literary master and his own creative aspirations. James' insightful narrative explores the complexities of mentorship, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence. Through nuanced characters and profound introspection, the story delves into the clash between inspiration and reality.

This third and final collection of Classic Ghost Stories contains these chillers: "Mr. Justice Harbottle" by Joseph Sheridan Lefanu; "The Seventh Man" by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch; "Some Haunted Houses" by Ambrose Bierce; "Miss Dulane and My Lord" by Wilkie Collins; and more.