The Aspern Papers and Other Stories (Oxford World's Classics) - Softcover

James, Henry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192836161 ISBN 13: 9780192836168

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

An American editor with an enthusiasm for the works of Jeffrey Aspern, a romantic poet of the early 19th century, goes to Venice to acquire the letters that Aspern wrote to his mistress, a Miss Bordereau, whom he called "Juliana." Under an assumed name he rents a suite in the ancient palace where she lives in poverty and seclusion with her niece, Miss Tina. He finds that the old lady is shrewd and haughty and accepts him as a lodger only to put aside money for the future of Miss Tina, a timid, unattractive spinster much in awe of her aunt. During his residence with them, the editor wins the friendship of Miss Tina, to whom he reveals his mission. Leaving Venice for a fortnight, he returns to find that Miss Bordereau has died. Miss Tina, who is clearly in love, welcomes him expectantly, but confesses that she could only give him the papers if he were "a relative."

In addition to "The Aspern Papers," this collection contains "The Private Life," "The Middle Years," and "The Death of the Lion," as well as prefaces by Henry James, a chronology of his life, and editor's notes.

About this title

About the Author:

Henry James (1843-1916), son of Henry James Sr. and brother of the philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James, was an American-born author and literary critic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He spent much of his life in Europe and became a British subject
shortly before his death. He is primarily known for novels, novellas and short stories based on themes of consciousness and morality.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0192836161
• ISBN 13: 9780192836168
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 254
• Editor: Poole Adrian