The Wings Of the Dove

Set in turn-of-the-century London, Henry James’ The Wings of the Dove tells the story of Mildred “Milly” Theale, an orphaned American heiress, and the mixed motives of those around her, namely Kate Croy. Kate is a scheming young woman in love with Merton Densher, a man too poor to offer her a “fashionable marriage.” Thus, she conspires to push Merton towards Milly, who has an unnamed fatal illness, with the hope of eventually enhancing her lover’s financial status.

Like much of James’ earlier works, The Wings of the Dove involves the universal themes of selfishness, greed, conspiracy, love, and betrayal. It also addresses the Victorian tradition and pitches American innocence against European cunning. However, the novel, written later in the author’s life, deals with deeper psychological aspects than his earlier works. While it does include social commentary, the central conflict of the novel regards moral character as opposed to cultural background.

There have been many adaptations of The Wings of the Dove. Perhaps most notable is director Iain Softley’s 1997 film version starring Alison Elliott as Milly Theale, Helena Bonham Carter as Kate Croy, and Linus Roache as Merton Densher. The film was a box office hit that won several prizes and award nominations, including Bonham Carter’s Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

The Wings of the Dove is ranked 26th on Modern Library's list of the “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century. 

New York City-based Charles Scribner’s Sons first published The Wings of the Dove in two volumes on 21 August 1902. Bound in brown leather, first editions have no additional printings listed on the copyright page. Volume one has 329 pages; volume two, 439.

Archibald Constable & Co. published the first UK — and single volume — edition of The Wings of the Dove in London on 30 August 1902. This 576-page edition is bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering and has no additional printings listed on the copyright page.