 First edition (US) | |
| Author | Henry James |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Houghton, Mifflin and Company, Boston Macmillan and Co., London |
Publication date | 29 October 1881 (Houghton) 16 November 1881 (Macmillan) |
| Publication place | United Kingdom United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
| Pages | Houghton: 520 Macmillan: volume one, 266; volume two, 253; volume three, 248 |
The Portrait of a Lady is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The Atlantic Monthly and Macmillan's Magazine in 1880–81 and then as a book in 1881. It is one of James's most popular novels and is regarded by critics as one of his finest.
The Portrait of a Lady is the story of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer, who, "affronting her destiny,"[1] finds it overwhelming. She inherits a large amount of money and subsequently becomes the victim of Machiavellian scheming by two American expatriates. Like many of James's novels, it is set in Europe, mostly England and Italy. Generally regarded as the masterpiece of James's early period,[2] this novel reflects James's continuing interest in the differences between the New World and the Old, often to the detriment of the former. It also treats in a profound way the themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and betrayal.
- ^ James, Henry (2009). Preface. Vol. I. Serenity Publishers. p. 12. ISBN 978-1604506136.
{{cite book}}:|work=ignored (help) - ^ Bloom, Harold, ed. (2002). Henry James. Chelsea House Publishers. p. 13. ISBN 978-1438116013.