The American

by Henry James

Overview

Leon Edel writes of this novel: "Behind its melodrama and its simple romance is the history of man's dream of better worlds, travel to strange lands, and marriage to high and noble ladies. At the same time the book reveals a deep affection for American innocence and a deep awareness that such innocence carries with it a fund of ignorance. Its novelty lay in its 'international' character, and it is spoken of as the first truly international novel."

Henry James was born into a distinguished New York family in 1843. From childhood his interests were more worldly and sophisticated than those held even by his peers. His eyes turned naturally to Europe, where he lived and wrote for a decade before settling in England in 1876.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486821467
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	05/04/2017
Series:	Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	576
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

American author Henry James (1843–1916) spent most of his career in Europe and ultimately adopted British citizenship. A prolific writer of criticism, biography, and travel-related books and articles, James is known above all for his highly influential novels, which frequently explore the clash of Old and New World cultures.

Date of Birth:

April 15, 1843

Date of Death:

February 28, 1916

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Place of Death:

London, England

Education:

Attended school in France and Switzerland; Harvard Law School, 1862-63

Table of Contents

Having made a fortune from his California-based business, Christopher Newman resolves to enlarge his experience with a grand tour of Europe, the customary practice of wealthy young men of the nineteenth century. When his acquaintance with Claire de Cintre, a youthful widow from an aristocratic Parisian family, blossoms into romance, Newman finds that he must also court her mother and brother. Rich in pride and tradition but short on money, Claire's relatives object strongly to her nouveau riche suitor even as they consider the sale of their dignity.
Henry James, the great chronicler of cross-cultural encounters, wrote The American early in his career. The contrast of Old and New World values―depicted with James' characteristic grace, eloquence, and subtle wit―constitutes a precursor to many of the author's later works. With its brisk plot and sparkling dialogue, this tale of a courtship gone awry offers an excellent introduction to James' novels.
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Editorial Reviews

A masterpiece of American romanticism in which James shows us his profound grasp of what he was ultimately to call ‘the Americo-European legend.’”

Leon Edel

The whole world was a rough place, as James would prove in fiction after fiction, brimming with pain and violence and darkness…One may see in The American his first great effort to take and give readers, in the largest sense of the words, the rough with the smooth.”

author of The Cambridge Companion to English Novel Adrian Poole

Adam Sims offers a solid narration of this classic novel, in which an American makes his way through the social complexities of Paris. The title character, Christopher Newman, has survived the American Civil War and made his own fortune; now all that remains is to experience the wider world and to find a suitable wife. Will his encounters in Paris provide him opportunities for both? Sims's voice is appealing and measured, clear and rich with the novel's nuances. His French accents are seamless, and the dialogue is realistic and easy to follow. Sims has the unique skill of voicing female characters without sounding forced, which is important here. The story may drag for some listeners, but this performance illuminates the novel's value. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile

Adam Sims offers a solid narration of this classic novel, in which an American makes his way through the social complexities of Paris. The title character, Christopher Newman, has survived the American Civil War and made his own fortune; now all that remains is to experience the wider world and to find a suitable wife. Will his encounters in Paris provide him opportunities for both? Sims's voice is appealing and measured, clear and rich with the novel's nuances. His French accents are seamless, and the dialogue is realistic and easy to follow. Sims has the unique skill of voicing female characters without sounding forced, which is important here. The story may drag for some listeners, but this performance illuminates the novel's value. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2021 - AudioFile