Showing results for "Henry James" in Arts & Entertainment

"A miraculous masterpiece" it seemed to Henry James, who wrote it. What actually happens in this most remarkable story (though at one level, it is quite clear - a ghost appears) must ever remain unresolved. Stalked by an alternative self in his childhood home, abandoned by him for more than thirty years, the narrator must find his hidden Hyde, incorporate all the violent possibility he represents into his all too impressionable psyche and still go on living. How? That is the question. Well, Cecilia de Noel has the answer. Check out her alternative conclusion, read by David Wales, here. (...

Daisy Miller is an 1878 novella by Henry James first appearing in Cornhill Magazine in June–July 1879, and in book form the following year. It portrays the courtship of the beautiful American girl Daisy Miller by Frederick Winterbourne, a sophisticated compatriot of hers. His pursuit of her is hampered by her own flirtatiousness, which is frowned upon by the other expatriates when they meet in Switzerland and Italy. (Summary by Wikipedia)CastFrederick Winterbourne: Brett W. DowneyDaisy Miller: Amanda FridayRandolph Miller: Arielle LipshawMrs. Miller: Libby GohnMrs. Costello: Elizabeth ...

A series of six volumes of Wheels anthologies was produced by members of the Sitwell family between 1916 and 1922. The fourth volume, published in 1919, contains several notable poems by the recently deceased Wilfred Owen. The other poets represented are Francisco Quevedo, Aldous Huxley, Arnold James, Iris Tree, Sherard Vines, and Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell. - Summary by Algy Pug

A lecture on the art of fiction, given by the English critic Walter Besant on April 25, 1884, and an answer to the lecture by American writer Henry James in the same year. (Summary by Julie VW)

The Henry James Works Collection offers his complete novels and stories, showcasing his masterful narrative style and keen insights into human behavior.

The Henry James Classics Podcast presents a beautifully narrated selection of his most celebrated works, offering a deep exploration of human nature and social complexities.

Step into the rich, psychological landscapes of Henry James Audiobooks, a collection of deeply insightful works exploring society, identity, and the human experience.

The issue of Irish home rule was the dominant political question of British and Irish politics in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Published in 1887, this work contains articles in favour of the measure. (Irish home rule was finally approved in 1914 but implementation was suspended until after WWI.) "The object of the writers has been to treat the difficult questions connected with the Government of Ireland in a dispassionate spirit; and the volume is offered to the public in the hope that it may, at a time of warm controversy over passing events, help to lead thoughtful men back to the ...

Henry James' classic ghost story comprises the written testimony of a young governess, charged with looking after two small children at an isolated country estate, who believes they are being haunted. As the story progresses, the governess' increasingly frenetic narration provokes the question: is she insane, or are the ghosts real? (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

In this captivating tale first published in 1883, Henry James explores the life of an American woman navigating her new life in England. Unlike the upper-class protagonists of his previous works, she hails from the rugged American West, bringing a unique perspective to her transatlantic experience. Join us as we delve into her challenges and triumphs in this richly woven narrative. - Summary by Nicholas Clifford

Dive into the captivating world of The Portrait of a Lady, a timeless novel by Henry James, originally serialized in The Atlantic Monthly and Macmillans Magazine between 1880 and 1881 before being published as a book in 1881. The story follows the spirited Isabel Archer, a young American woman who boldly confronts her fate, only to find herself ensnared in the intricate machinations of two cunning American expatriates after inheriting a significant fortune. Set against the stunning backdrops of England and Italy, this novel is widely considered one of Jamess early masterpieces. It explores ...

The Wings of the Dove, published in 1902, captures the poignant journey of a young person acutely aware of their vibrant potential for life, yet faced with the harsh reality of an early demise. This narrative revolves around the struggle to savor the beauty of existence, even when time is fleeting. The protagonist is driven by a powerful desire to experience as much of lifes richness as possible, aiming to create meaningful moments before the inevitable end. In this exploration of love, mortality, and the urgency of living fully, Henry James invites us to reflect on the essence of what it ...

Immerse yourself in this chilling gothic ghost story, where you become a jury of one. Is the Governess justified in her belief that her wonderful charges, the innocent Miles and Flora, are being tormented by sinister spirits? As the narrative unfolds, darkness descends, leaving you with more questions than answers. Written by Sandra Cullum.

The Real Thing unfolds an ironic narrative centered around an artist and two uniquely intriguing models. It delves into the complex interplay between reality in our everyday lives and the artistic methods employed to capture or reflect that reality. Although the protagonist is an illustrator rather than a writer, it’s easy to see that James may be drawing inspiration from his own experiences and those of fellow writers. (summary by Clifford)

Dive into the intriguing world of Ivory Tower, an unfinished manuscript that explores the complexities of wealth and power in American society through the eyes of an unsuspecting character. With a style that oscillates between convoluted prose and sharp insight, Henry James invites readers to navigate a labyrinth of inheritance battles and social maneuvering. The first part showcases his unique narrative technique, presenting a narrator as oblivious as the characters themselves, while the second half offers a masterclass in novel development, highlighting the flow of storytelling and resolving...

In one of Jamess final masterpieces, this tale transcends the boundaries of a typical ghost story. It intricately weaves elements of mystery and spectral presence, exploring the haunting questions that linger after death. As the central character is drawn into the depths of the jungle, the true nature of the lurking Beast remains tantalizingly obscured until the climactic moment. Prepare to be taken aback when its name is finally revealed. - Summary by Tony Addison

While levity may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Henry James, this delightful story possesses an unexpectedly lighthearted charm. It follows Peter Baron, a struggling young writer of modest talent, as he navigates life in a dreary London boarding house. There, he shares space with a beautiful and mysteriously clairvoyant widow and her small son. When Baron acquires a second-hand writing desk in hopes of igniting his creativity, he stumbles upon a hidden cache of letters that could implicate a recently deceased statesman. This unexpected discovery sets him on a ...

Regarded as an early masterpiece by Henry James, Madame de Mauves introduces readers to the poignant tale of Euphemia Cleve, an American girl whose dreams collide with reality. Through the eyes of her fellow countryman, Longmore, we witness Euphemias marriage to the Baron de Mauves, an impoverished French aristocrat she believes embodies her youthful fantasies. As Longmore observes her gradual disillusionment, questions arise Is she truly as unhappy as he perceives? What lies at the heart of the divide between an American idealist and a worldly Frenchman? - Summary by Gemma L Myers

Set in post-Franco-Prussian War Paris, where the echoes of conflict linger, a French poet and a German composer find inspiration in each other’s artistry. As they embark on a groundbreaking collaboration to create an opera, they must navigate the challenges and sacrifices that come with their partnership. (david wales)

Discover the inner workings of renowned author Henry James, as seen through the eyes of his secretary and amanuensis, Theodora Bosanquet. From 1907 until his death in 1916, Bosanquet was an integral part of Jamess life and work. Her 1924 essay, published in the Hogarth Essays series, provides a captivating narrative of Jamess methods, values, and life. Compiled eight years after his demise, she offers an intimate perspective of the man behind the literary genius.