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Washington Square (Oxford World's Classics) - Henry James, Adrian Poole
Washington Square (Oxford World's Classics)
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4.25 10
One of the most instantly appealing of James's early masterpieces, Washington Square is a tale of a trapped daughter and domineering father, a quiet tragedy of money and love and innocence betrayed. Catherine Sloper, heiress to a fortune, attracts the attention of a good-looking but penniless... show more
One of the most instantly appealing of James's early masterpieces, Washington Square is a tale of a trapped daughter and domineering father, a quiet tragedy of money and love and innocence betrayed. Catherine Sloper, heiress to a fortune, attracts the attention of a good-looking but penniless young man, Morris Townsend, but her father is convinced that his motives are merely mercenary. He will not consent to the marriage, regardless of the cost to his daughter. Out of this classic confrontation Henry James fashioned one of his most deftly searching shorter fictions, a tale of great depth of meaning and understanding. First published in 1880 but set some forty years earlier in a pre-Civil War New York, the novel reflects ironically on the restricted world in which its heroine is marooned. In his excellent introduction Adrian Poole reflects on the book's gestation and influences, the significance of place, and the insight with which the four principal players are drawn. The book also includes an up-to-date bibliography, illuminating notes, and a discussion of stage and film adaptations of the story.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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Format: paperback
ISBN: 9780199559190 (0199559198)
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Pages no: 224
Edition language: English
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Community Reviews
Lisa (Harmony)
Lisa (Harmony) rated it
5.0 Washington Square (Signet Classics)
This was actually assigned me in high school--but amazingly, unlike what is so often the case, I didn't hold it against it. I find this a heartbreaking book--but oh so well worth reading. It's been compared to Jane Austen in its focus on family dynamics, courtship and social satire, but unlike Auste...
AC
AC rated it
5.0 Washington Square
Marvelous tale..., wonderful, rich writing... the characterization quite brilliant.(The audible is rather uneven in quality, but I got used to it in the end)
inconceivably
inconceivably rated it
4.0 Washington Square
I added Washington Square to my project fill in the gaps list because I wanted to read something by Henry James and this had an intriguing synopsis and was a little shorter than some of his other books. I read it a few days ago to get in some last minute classic reading before the end of the year. I...
A Book and A Review #2
A Book and A Review #2 rated it
4.0
Hands down, my favorite Henry James book. I am not a big fan of authors, particularly American, during that time period, but have always enjoyed this book on many, many levels.
Reading Room
Reading Room rated it
5.0 Washington Square
I love Henry James. Sometimes, I want to reach into the story and smack some of the women. The story is beautifully told. A must read for lovers of language.
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