Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece

Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece PDF Author: Michael Gorra
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0871403285
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 496

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Book Description
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize Finalist for National Book Critics Circle Award (Biography) One of the Best Books of 2012: The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Guardian, The Millions, Kirkus Reviews, Boston Phoenix A revelatory biography of the American master as told through the lens of his greatest novel. Henry James (1843–1916) has had many biographers, but Michael Gorra has taken an original approach to this great American progenitor of the modern novel, combining elements of biography, criticism, and travelogue in re-creating the dramatic backstory of James’s masterpiece, Portrait of a Lady (1881). Gorra, an eminent literary critic, shows how this novel—the scandalous story of the expatriate American heiress Isabel Archer—came to be written in the first place. Traveling to Florence, Rome, Paris, and England, Gorra sheds new light on James’s family, the European literary circles—George Eliot, Flaubert, Turgenev—in which James made his name, and the psychological forces that enabled him to create this most memorable of female protagonists. Appealing to readers of Menand’s The Metaphysical Club and McCullough’s The Greater Journey, Portrait of a Novel provides a brilliant account of the greatest American novel of expatriate life ever written. It becomes a piercing detective story on its own.

The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1

The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 323

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Book Description
Welcome to the captivating world of Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1, where intricate character studies and profound psychological insights intertwine to create a masterful exploration of love, freedom, and the complexities of identity. As you embark on this literary journey, prepare to be enchanted by the depth and nuance of James’s storytelling. Follow the spirited and independent Isabel Archer, a young American woman, as she navigates the intricate social landscape of Europe after inheriting a fortune. Isabel's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the expectations of society and the desires of her heart. Her encounters with a cast of compelling characters—each representing different facets of ambition, love, and betrayal—serve to illuminate her struggle between independence and societal obligation. At the heart of The Portrait of a Lady lies the theme of personal freedom versus societal constraints. Isabel’s quest for autonomy is both inspiring and tragic, reflecting the tensions between the desire for self-fulfillment and the pressures imposed by family and society. James masterfully weaves these themes throughout the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices that define them. The tone of this volume is richly descriptive and introspective, capturing the essence of the late 19th-century social milieu. James's exquisite prose draws readers into the emotional landscapes of his characters, making their triumphs and tribulations profoundly resonant. Since its publication, The Portrait of a Lady has been hailed as a cornerstone of literary fiction, praised for its nuanced character development and exploration of complex themes. Critics have lauded James’s ability to delve into the psychological depths of his characters, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. This volume appeals to a diverse audience, from literary scholars to casual readers seeking a thought-provoking narrative. James’s exploration of identity, agency, and the human condition makes this work an essential read for those interested in the intricacies of life and relationships. As you delve into The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1, you will find yourself captivated by Isabel Archer's journey and the profound questions it raises about autonomy and fulfillment. James’s insightful observations and masterful storytelling invite you to engage with the text on multiple levels. In conclusion, The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 is not just a novel; it is a rich exploration of the human spirit and the societal forces that shape our lives. Whether you are revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, prepare to be moved by Henry James’s extraordinary literary achievement. Don’t miss your chance to experience the brilliance of Henry James. Discover the profound insights and compelling themes that make The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 an essential addition to your literary collection—grab your copy now and join the journey of self-discovery and exploration!

Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece

Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece PDF Author: Michael Gorra
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0871403285
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 496

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Book Description
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize Finalist for National Book Critics Circle Award (Biography) One of the Best Books of 2012: The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Guardian, The Millions, Kirkus Reviews, Boston Phoenix A revelatory biography of the American master as told through the lens of his greatest novel. Henry James (1843–1916) has had many biographers, but Michael Gorra has taken an original approach to this great American progenitor of the modern novel, combining elements of biography, criticism, and travelogue in re-creating the dramatic backstory of James’s masterpiece, Portrait of a Lady (1881). Gorra, an eminent literary critic, shows how this novel—the scandalous story of the expatriate American heiress Isabel Archer—came to be written in the first place. Traveling to Florence, Rome, Paris, and England, Gorra sheds new light on James’s family, the European literary circles—George Eliot, Flaubert, Turgenev—in which James made his name, and the psychological forces that enabled him to create this most memorable of female protagonists. Appealing to readers of Menand’s The Metaphysical Club and McCullough’s The Greater Journey, Portrait of a Novel provides a brilliant account of the greatest American novel of expatriate life ever written. It becomes a piercing detective story on its own.

The Portrait of a Lady Illustrated

The Portrait of a Lady Illustrated PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 818

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Book Description
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 1880-81 and then as a book in 1881. It is one of James's most popular long novels and is regarded by critics as one of his finest.

The Portrait of a Lady

The Portrait of a Lady PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Americans
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description


The Portrait of a Lady

The Portrait of a Lady PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher: Modernista
ISBN: 9180948405
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 626

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Book Description
Isabel Archer rejects one man after another. With the inheritance from a wealthy relative, she can fulfill her dream of an independent life. She travels to Italy. In Florence, she meets the American expatriate and art collector Gilbert Osmond. He has charm and taste, but that's pretty much all she knows about him. Despite her friends' warnings, she says yes when he proposes. Unlike others, bound by conventions, Osmond gives the impression of being free. But what does Isabel really need his freedom for when she has her own? Isabel Archer is one of literature's most talked-about female characters. The way Henry James portrays her, without analysis; solely through her expressions and experiences, makes The Portrait of a Lady [1881] one of the most innovative novels in literary history. HENRY JAMES [1843 -1916] was born in New York but emigrated to Europe early in life. He is one of the most important figures in Anglo-Saxon turn-of-the-century literature, with novels such as The American [1877] and the horror novel The Turn of the Screw [1898].

The Portrait of a Lady Vol 1

The Portrait of a Lady Vol 1 PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781540703859
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 342

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Book Description
That is to me, artistically speaking, the circumstance of interest; for I have lost myself once more, I confess, in the curiosity of analysing the structure. By what process of logical accretion was this slight "personality," the mere slim shade of an intelligent but presumptuous girl, to find itself endowed with the high attributes of a Subject?--and indeed by what thinness, at the best, would such a subject not be vitiated? Millions of presumptuous girls, intelligent or not intelligent, daily affront their destiny, and what is it open to their destiny to be, at the most, that we should make an ado about it? The novel is of its very nature an "ado," an ado about something, and the larger the form it takes the greater of course the ado. Therefore, consciously, that was what one was in for--for positively organising an ado about Isabel Archer.

The Full Cupboard of Life

The Full Cupboard of Life PDF Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Publisher: Anchor
ISBN: 0375423249
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 236

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Book Description
THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY - Book 5 Fans around the world adore the best-selling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe—with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi—navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea. Still engaged to the estimable Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe understands that she should not put too much pressure on him, as he has other concerns, especially a hair-raising request from the ever persuasive Mma Potokwane, matron of the orphan farm. Besides Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on several suitors. Are these men interested in the lady or just her money? This may be a difficult case, but it's just the kind of problem Mma Ramotswe likes and she is, as we know, a very intuitive lady.

Portrait of a Lady

Portrait of a Lady PDF Author: Victoria Vale
Publisher: Victoria Vale
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 236

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Book Description
Book 1 of 5 in the Regency Erotic Romance series,The Gentleman Courtesans. Miss Evelyn Coburn refuses to die a virgin. At the age of five-and-twenty, she has never even been kissed properly. Upon receiving her inheritance, she decides to investigate rumors of a secret London agency which provides the services of male courtesans. Someone to teach her the secrets of the bedchamber and do away with the nuisance of her maidenhead is all Evelyn anticipates from such an arrangement. The Honourable Hugh Radcliffe is in dire financial straits after being disowned by his family for pursuing a career as a portraitist. When he’s asked to go into business to form The Gentleman Courtesans, he agrees, needing the income until his work is accepted into the Royal Academy of the Arts’ annual Summer Exhibition—an event that could earn him the exposure needed to launch him to fame. The arrangement with Evelyn is only supposed to be temporary, and Hugh is determined for her to be his last paramour. But when physical attraction evolves into a deeper connection, she becomes the muse for his greatest work of art yet. With their affair coming to an end, Hugh will be forced to acknowledge that Evelyn is the key to his success as well as his joy. Will their newfound happiness end when their arrangement does, or will what began as a matter of lust and convenience lead to true and lasting love?

Novels, 1881-1886

Novels, 1881-1886 PDF Author: Henry James
Publisher: Library of America
ISBN: 9780940450301
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 1249

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Book Description
Tells the stories of a fortune hunter, an American heiress living in Europe, and a naive young woman torn between love and idealism.

Portrait of the Blue Lady

Portrait of the Blue Lady PDF Author: Lyn Cowan
Publisher: Spring Journal
ISBN: 9781882670963
Category : Depression, Mental
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Redeems melancholy and restores it to its rightful place in the human psyche, as a Muse of creative force, a characteristic of greatness, and a bittersweet comfort to the sensitive soul.