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The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics)
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The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics) Paperback - 2011

by James, Henry

  • Used

In this portrait of a "young woman affronting her destiny," Henry James created one of his most magnificent heroines, and a story of intense poignancy. When Isabel Archer, a beautiful, spirited American, is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt, it is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel, resolved to enjoy her freedom, does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors. Then she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the charming and cultivated Gilbert Osmond. Isabel, however, soon discovers the cruelty and stifling darkness beneath Gilbert's civilized veneer.

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Details

  • Title The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics)
  • Author James, Henry
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Condition UsedGood
  • Pages 768
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Group
  • Date 2011-09-27
  • Features Bibliography, Price on Product - Canadian, Table of Contents
  • Bookseller's Inventory # 5D40000099VA_ns
  • ISBN 9780141441269 / 0141441267
  • Weight 1.12 lbs (0.51 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.5 in (19.56 x 12.95 x 3.81 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 19th Century
    • Cultural Region: British
    • Religious Orientation: Christian
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
    • Topical: Coming of Age
    • Topical: Family
  • Library of Congress subjects Americans - Europe, Europe - Social life and customs - 19th
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

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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.

Summary

In this portrait of a "young woman affronting her destiny," Henry James created one of his most magnificent heroines, and a story of intense poignancy. When Isabel Archer, a beautiful, spirited American, is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt, it is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel, resolved to enjoy her freedom, does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors. Then she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the charming and cultivated Gilbert Osmond. Isabel, however, soon discovers the cruelty and stifling darkness beneath Gilbert's civilized veneer.

From the publisher

Henry James (1843-1916) is the author of such classic novels as Daisy Miller, The Golden Bowl, and Washington Square.
Philip Horne is a professor of English at University College London.

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.

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About the author

Henry James (1843-1916) is the author of such classic novels as Daisy Miller, The Golden Bowl, and Washington Square.

Philip Horne is a professor of English at University College London.