Showing results for "Henry James" in Drama & Plays

The Portrait of a Lady is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The Atlantic Monthly and Macmillan's Magazine in 1880-1881 and then as a book in 1881. It is the story of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer, who "affronts her destiny" and finds it overwhelming. She inherits a large amount of money and subsequently becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. Like many of James's novels, it is set mostly in Europe, notably England and Italy.Generally regarded as the masterpiece of his early phase of writing, this novel reflects James's ...

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)

Meet Fanny Knocker, a remarkably ordinary young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a dashing yet destitute younger son from an esteemed family. What adventures await them in this intriguing tale? (David Wales)

What is a girl to do when London society has condemned her mother for an unforgivable sin, leaving her ostracized and alone? Rose Tramore faces the ultimate dilemma remain loyal to her flawed parent or protect her own standing in a society that dictates her future, especially in the marriage market. With charm and determination, Rose must navigate the treacherous waters of social expectation and personal loyalty to find her own path. (Nicholas Clifford)

In this captivating tale, a renowned painter finds himself unexpectedly reunited with the love of his life during a visit to a charming English country house. However, his astonishment deepens when he discovers that her husband harbors a most unusual quirk. – Summary by Deborah Percy

Insecure siblings fighting for their parents' attention; bickering spouses who can't stand to be together or apart; adultery and sexual experimentation; even the struggle to balance work and family: These are themes as much at home in our time as they were in the twelfth century. In James Goldman's classic play The Lion in Winter, domestic turmoil rises to an art form.

Washington Square is a captivating short novel by Henry James, first serialized in 1880 in both Cornhill Magazine and Harpers New Monthly Magazine. This structurally straightforward tragicomedy delves into the poignant conflict between a sweet yet unremarkable daughter and her brilliant, overbearing father. Often likened to the works of Jane Austen for its elegant prose and sharp focus on familial ties, James himself was not a fan of Austen and didnt hold Washington Square in high regard. In fact, during the compilation of his New York Edition of fiction (1907-1909), he struggled to revisit it...

In Tragic Muse, Nick Dormer grapples with the timeless conflict between art and politics. The story centers on Mirian Ruth, a determined aspiring actress who embodies the tragic muse of the title. As she navigates her passion for acting, she must confront societys expectations will she be accepted as an actress, or must she sacrifice her dreams for the sake of a respectable marriage? Accompanied by a vibrant cast of secondary characters, this novel offers both intrigue and insight. For fans of Trollope and Dickens, Henry Jamess sharp observations and wit make this an engaging listen. Take a ...

Nanda Brookenham is coming of age, and thus 'coming out' in London society - which leads to complications in her family's social set in London's fin de siècle life. James presents the novel almost entirely in dialogue, an experiment that adds to the immediacy of the scenes but also creates serious ambiguities about characters and their motives. Summary by Anna Simon, adapted from Wikipedia.

Nanda Brookenham is navigating the complexities of coming of age and coming out in the vibrant yet restrictive society of fin de siècle London. As she steps into this new world, her journey creates ripples within her familys social circle, leading to unexpected challenges and revelations. James presents this compelling narrative almost entirely through dialogue, enhancing the immediacy of each scene while leaving readers contemplating the true motives of the characters. Summary by Anna Simon, adapted from Wikipedia.

Owen Wingrave, a young man from a family steeped in military tradition, boldly chooses a different path, rejecting the expectations of his ancestors. This decision sets in motion a series of dire consequences. In 1970, Benjamin Britten adapted this powerful story into an opera that explores themes of duty, rebellion, and the haunting legacies of the past. (Summary by David Wales)

A series of six volumes of Wheels anthologies was produced by members of the Sitwell family between 1916 and 1922. The third volume, published in 1918, contains poems by Aldous Huxley, Arnold James, Iris Tree, Sherard Vines, and Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell. ( Algy Pug)

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

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 ...

The St. Charles Players present a unique telling of Henry James' classic tale of relationships and their imperfections, in a new multi-cast dramatization performed in exciting Radio Theatre style.

Dive into Henry James spine-chilling ghost tale, narrated by a young governess tasked with the care of two children in a remote country manor. She becomes convinced they are being haunted. As her narration spirals into hysteria, were left questioning is it madness, or are the phantoms real? (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

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.

Immerse yourself in a riveting tale brimming with passion, unrequited love, and intrigue. A deathbed promise sets off a chilling sequence of murder and concealment, all unfolding within a close-knit community consumed by secrets. - Summary by Shih-Ping.

Experience the psychological thriller "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James. This chilling novella tells the story of a governess who encounters supernatural occurrences while caring for two children at a remote estate. Perfect for fans of gothic horror and suspenseful narratives.

Explore the intricacies of personal freedom and societal expectations through a collection of audiobooks inspired by the theme of self-discovery and cultural conflict. These stories delve into the challenges of navigating identity, personal choice, and the influence of society, often highlighting the tension between individual desires and external pressures. Each week, our podcast presents a different complete audiobook, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless issues. With a rotating selection of works spanning various eras and literary styles, listeners can gain insight, satisfy their ...