The Portrait of a LadyWhen Isabel Archer, a beautiful, spirited American, is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt Touchett, it is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel, resolved to enjoy the freedom that her fortune has opened up and to determine her own fate, does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors. Then she finds herself irresistibly drawn to Gilbert Osmond. Charming and cultivated, Osmond sees Isabel as a rich prize waiting to be taken. Beneath his veneer of civilised behaviour, Isabel discovers cruelty and stifling darkness. In this portrait of a 'young woman affronting her destiny', Henry James created one of his most magnificent heroines, and a story of intense poignancy. This edition includes an introduction and full explanatory notes, with a new chronology, further reading by Richard Maxwell, and Henry James's own illuminating preface. |
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afraid American answered appeared aunt Bantling believe better Caspar Goodwood certainly charming clever companion Countess Gemini course cousin cried Daisy Miller daughter deal dear delightful Edmund Ludlow England everything exclaimed eyes face father feel felt Florence fond Gardencourt gave gentleman GEOFFREY MOORE Gilbert Osmond girl give glad hand happy Henry James hope hour husband idea interest Isabel asked Italy kind knew laugh least live looked Lord Warburton Madame Merle marriage marry matter mean Merle's mind Miss Archer Miss Stackpole never niece one's Pansy Pansy's perfectly perhaps person poor present Ralph Touchett remarked remember Roderick Hudson Rome seemed seen sense simply sister smile sort speak stood suppose sure talk tell there's things thought tion told tone took visitor wait wife wish woman wondered York Edition young lady