Classics by Henry James that you should read

“We work in the dark - we do what we can - we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion, and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.” The beautiful quote by renowned American-British author, Henry James, invokes the artist in everyone. A literary artiste par excellence, James was key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism. Even today, when it is Henry James’ 177th birth anniversary, his works continue to garner attention and appreciation. His timeless books still inspire budding authors all over the world.

James is best known for his works that deal with the lives of emigrant Americans, English people and continental Europeans. This involves describing the internal states of mind and social dynamics of James’ characters. His late works have been compared to impressionist paintings because of their unique ambiguity and composition.

Here are some books by Henry James that you can add to your reading list!

It is regarded as James' finest work and is a simple tragedy between happiness and money. It revolves around Isabel Archer, a beautiful, spirited American, who is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt. It is expected that she will soon marry but Isabel, resolved to enjoy her freedom does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors and then falls for a charming man. However, beneath his veneer of civilized behaviour, Isabel discovers cruelty and a stifling darkness.

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The novella is considered as the most analyzed and ambiguous ghost story in the English language. It revolves around an inexperienced governess who goes to look after a young boy and girl in Essex. However, very soon, all manner of strange events begin to occur. She spots a ghostly man and woman and it soon becomes clear that the children are inexplicably connected to these ghosts in some way. In its course, the novella explores the psychological and sexual fears of an era.

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The novel is set in England and explores the themes of adultery, jealousy and possession. It highlights the constant battle between American innocence and European experience. It revolves around Maggie Verver, a young American heiress, and her widowed father, Adam. They are both getting married but are unaware that their new conquests share a secret, for which all concerned pay a hefty price.

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The novel is a subtle yet devastating portrayal of an innocent girl, adrift in a corrupt society. It centers on Maisie Farange who after her parents’ divorce, finds herself shuttled between her selfish mother and vain father, who value her only as a means for provoking each other. This leads Maisie becoming solitary, observant, and wise beyond her years. As a result, she is drawn into an increasingly entangled adult world of intrigue and sexual betrayal until she is finally compelled to choose her own future.

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The novel is a compelling story packed with sensitive characters, lost youth, and people caught in the frenzied pace of life. It revolves around Lambert Strether and his trip to Europe in pursuit of Chad Newsome, his widowed fiancée’s supposedly wayward son. He is to bring the young man back to the family business, but in the course of the story, he encounters unexpected complications.

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The novel deftly interweaves the public and private faces of nineteenth-century New York society and is also a deeply moving study of 'innocence' destroyed. It recounts the conflict between a dull but sweet daughter-Catherine Sloper and her brilliant, unemotional father. Catherine is torn between her desire to win her father's love and approval and her passion for the first man who has ever declared his love for her, which results in an agonizing dilemma.

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The novel is a bitter-sweet tragicomedy and centers on some very odd characters- Basil Ransom, Olive Chancellor and Verena Turrant. The storyline concerns the struggle between Ransom and Olive for Verena's allegiance and affection. It also includes a wide panorama of political activists, newspaper people, and quirky eccentrics.

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The novel is a wide, cheerful panorama of English life, values and culture. In its course, it follows the fortunes of two would-be artists: Nick Dormer, who abandons a political career in his efforts to become a painter, and Miriam Rooth, an actress striving for artistic and commercial success.

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