Henry James

Tanner provides not only an illuminating introduction to James and his writings; he also presents a portrait of his development as a writer and the seemingly inexhaustible inventiveness of his imagination. The first part introduces James' major theme--the complex fate of the American living in Europe--and surveys James' achievement upto the publishing of The Portrait of a Lady. The second chapter, covering the period of his continuous residence in London from 1881-1897, is devoted to his three major social novels: The Bostonians, The Princess Casamassima, and The Tragic Muse. It also covers his criticism of fiction, travel writings, short novels and stories. The final part deals with his last years at Rye and the masterpieces of the period: The Ambassadors, The Wings of Dove, and The Golden Bowl. ISBN 0-87023-492-7: $17.50.