This Library of America volume collects four novels written by Henry James in the period immediately following his unsuccessful five-year-long attempt to establish himself as a playwright on the London stage. Hoping to convert his "infinite little loss" into "infinite little gain," James returned to the novelistic examination of English society with a new appreciation for what he called the "divine principle of the Scenario," "a key that, working in the same general way fits the complicated chambers of both the dramatic and ...
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This Library of America volume collects four novels written by Henry James in the period immediately following his unsuccessful five-year-long attempt to establish himself as a playwright on the London stage. Hoping to convert his "infinite little loss" into "infinite little gain," James returned to the novelistic examination of English society with a new appreciation for what he called the "divine principle of the Scenario," "a key that, working in the same general way fits the complicated chambers of both the dramatic and the narrative lock." His continued interest in dramatic form is demonstrated in The Other House (1896), which was derived from the scenario for a three-act play. Set in two neighboring houses and told mostly through dialogue, the novel explores the violent and tragic consequences of jealousy and frustrated passion. In The Spoils of Poynton (1897), one of the most tightly constructed of James's late novels, a house and its exquisite antique furnishings and artwork become the source of a protracted struggle involving the proud and imperious Mrs. Gereth, her amiable son, Owen, his philistine fianc???e, Mona Brigstock, and the sensitive Fleda Vetch, whose moral judgment is tested by her conflicting allegiances. What Maisie Knew (1897) explores with perception and sensitivity the effect upon a young girl of her parents' bitter divorce and their subsequent remarriages. In writing the novel James chose as his point of view what he described as "the consciousness, the dim, sweet, scared, wondering, clinging perception of the child." The Awkward Age (1899) examines the complicated relations among the members of a sophisticated London social circle almost entirely through dialogue as it depicts the shifting marital prospects of a young woman poised on the verge of adult life. Both of these novels insightfully explore the ambiguity of childhood "innocence" amid adult struggles over money, power, and love. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation's literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America's best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.
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Very Good. Very Good condition. No Dust Jacket Slipcase Very Good. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
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Very Good. First Library of America Printing. Slipcase and book are in very good condition. Tan cloth boards. Clean, has a good binding, no marks or notations. Publisher insert sheet included.
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Collectable, like new. Book and slipcase are like new. First printing. Bound in medium brown cloth. Library of America, 2003, stated first printing. Perfect condition. ** We are a small family business selling fine new and pre-owned books online since 1999. We provide professional service and individual attention to your order, daily shipments, and sturdy packaging. FREE TRACKING ON ALL SHIPMENTS WITHIN USA.
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Like New. Size: 8x5x1; First Edition, First Printing. White slipcased edition is nearly perfect with No Writing in text. Ships with tracking the same or next business day from New Haven, CT. We fully guarantee to ship the exact same item as listed and work hard to maintain our excellent customer service.
