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The Portrait of a Lady
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The Portrait of a Lady Paperback - 1997

by Henry James; Introduction by Lionel Kelly; Notes by Lionel Kelly

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About this book

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James was initially published as a serial in Macmillan's Magazine (UK) and The Atlantic Monthly (US) in 1880–81. The story tells of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer  — arguably one of Miller’s most memorable characters — as she affronts her destiny only to find it overwhelming. The Portrait of a Lady is James’ most popular novel and is regarded by critics as one of his finest, exploring his characteristic theme of conflict between American individualism and European social custom.

Reader reviews for The Portrait of a Lady

From the publisher

With an Introduction and Notes by Lionel Kelly, Senior Lecturer in English, University of Reading.

Transplanted to Europe from her native America, Isabel Archer has candour, beauty, intelligence, an independent spirit and a marked enthusiasm for life. An unexpected inheritance apparently gives her freedom, but despite all her natural advantages she makes one disastrous error of judgement and the result is genuinely tragic. Her tale, told with James' inimitable poise, is of the widest relevance.

'The phase when his (Henry James') genius functioned with the freest and fullest vitality is represented by The Portrait of a Lady'. (F.R. LEAVIS)

From the rear cover

When Isabel Archer, a young American woman with looks, wit, and imagination, arrives in Europe, she sees the world as 'a place of brightness, of free expression, of irresistible action'. She turns aside from suitors who offer her their wealth and devotion to follow her own path. But that way leads to disillusionment and a future as constricted as 'a dark narrow alley with a dead wall at the end'. In a conclusion that is one of the most moving in modern fiction, Isabel makes her final choice.

First edition identification

Though most generally considered The Portrait of a Lady to have been published simultaneously in the United Kingdom and the United States, controversy surrounds the true publication history. Macmillan (London) published the first UK edition of the book in three volumes in November 1881, just as the story was concluding its run in the eponymous house monthly magazine. However, Macmillan’s second edition — its first single-volume edition — was not published until June 1882. In the mean time, Houghton, Mifflin, and Company (Boston) published the first US and first single-volume edition, which became available on November 16, 1881, though the date on the title page states 1882.

Details

  • Title The Portrait of a Lady
  • Author Henry James; Introduction by Lionel Kelly; Notes by Lionel Kelly
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 528
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Wordsworth Editions, San Diego, California, U.S.A.
  • Publication date August 5, 1997
  • ISBN 9781853261770 / 1853261777
  • Weight 0.7 lbs (0.32 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.81 x 5.02 x 1.11 in (19.84 x 12.75 x 2.82 cm)
  • Reading level 1020
  • Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

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Portrait of a Lady (Wordsworth Classics)
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Portrait of a Lady (Wordsworth Classics)

by Henry James

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[ Edition: Reprint ]. Fair Condition. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: NONE ] [ Torn pages: YES ] Publisher: Penguin Classics Pub Date: 8/1/1882 Binding: Paperback Pages: 720
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Portrait of a Lady (Wordsworth Classics)

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The Portrait of a Lady

Henry James

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The Portrait of a Lady
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The Portrait of a Lady

by James, Henry

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Wordsworth Editions, Limited. Used - Good. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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The Portrait of a Lady
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The Portrait of a Lady

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Wordsworth Editions, Limited. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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Portrait of a Lady (Wordsworth Classics)
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Portrait of a Lady (Wordsworth Classics)

by Henry James

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Om Books, 1997-08-05. Classic Edition. paperback. Used: Good. 5.08x1.10x7.83. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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