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The Portrait Of A Lady
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The Portrait Of A Lady Paperback - 2004

by Henry James


About this book

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James was initially published as a serial in Macmillan's Magazine (UK) and The Atlantic Monthly (US) in 1880–81. The story tells of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer  — arguably one of Miller’s most memorable characters — as she affronts her destiny only to find it overwhelming. The Portrait of a Lady is James’ most popular novel and is regarded by critics as one of his finest, exploring his characteristic theme of conflict between American individualism and European social custom.

First Edition Identification

Though most generally considered The Portrait of a Lady to have been published simultaneously in the United Kingdom and the United States, controversy surrounds the true publication history. Macmillan (London) published the first UK edition of the book in three volumes in November 1881, just as the story was concluding its run in the eponymous house monthly magazine. However, Macmillan’s second edition — its first single-volume edition — was not published until June 1882. In the mean time, Houghton, Mifflin, and Company (Boston) published the first US and first single-volume edition, which became available on November 16, 1881, though the date on the title page states 1882.

Details

  • Title The Portrait Of A Lady
  • Author Henry James
  • Binding Paperback
  • Pages 596
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Kessinger Publishing
  • Date 2004-06-17
  • ISBN 9781419178221 / 1419178229
  • Weight 2.25 lbs (1.02 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.26 in (23.37 x 19.05 x 3.20 cm)
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC