Henry James's great masterpiece now in a stunning Penguin clothbound edition designed by the
acclaimed Coralie Bickford-Smith.When Isabel Archer a beautiful spirited American is brought
to Europe by her wealthy aunt Touchett 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 Gilbert Osmond. Charming and cultivated Osmond sees Isabel
as a rich prize waiting to be taken. 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.This
edition is based on the earliest published copy of the novel: this is the version that was read
first and loved by most readers in James's lifetime. It also includes an introduction notes
and other editorial materials by leading James scholar Philip Horne.Henry James was born in
1843 in Washington Place New York of Scottish and Irish ancestry. In addition to many short
stories plays books of criticism autobiography and travel he wrote some twenty novels the
first published being Roderick Hudson (1875). They include The Europeans Washington Square
The Portrait of a Lady The Bostonians The Princess Casamassima The Tragic Muse The Spoils
of Poynton The Awkward Age The Wings of the Dove The Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl.Philip
Horne is Professor of English at University College London.
