Washington Square

The Cambridge Edition of Henry James' Complete Fiction is a scholarly edition of a major writer whose work is still read, quoted, adapted, and studied. It is published in two volumes in 1880 and dramatizes the plight of Catherine Sloper, a rich heiress, whose father identifies her one suitor, Morris Townsend, as a fortune-hunter. This edition provides a full account of the context in which the book was composed and received, including the original illustrations by Punch-cartoonist George Du Maurier, and extensive explanatory notes to enable modern readers to understand its nuanced historical, cultural, and literary references.

Format: Hardback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Cambridge Edition of the Complete Fiction of Henry James presents, for the first time, a scholarly edition of a major writer whose work remains widely read, quoted, adapted, and studied. This remarkable publication, consisting of two volumes released in 1880, takes us into the heart of Washington Square, where we meet Catherine Sloper, a wealthy heiress whose father, a successful doctor, has chosen her sole suitor, Morris Townsend, solely for his financial ambitions. Through the subtle and sympathetic irony of the novel, The Cambridge Edition delves into the sentimental tradition, skillfully developing it in a realist direction. This edition stands as a groundbreaking achievement, as it offers a comprehensive account of the historical, cultural, and literary context in which the book was composed and received. Moreover, it includes the original illustrations by Punch-cartoonist George Du Maurier, providing a visual glimpse into the era. Extensive explanatory notes accompany the text, ensuring that modern readers can fully appreciate the nuances of the historical references, cultural allusions, and literary complexities within the novel. By presenting this edition, The Cambridge Edition makes Henry James's work accessible and relevant to a new generation of readers, while also contributing to our understanding and appreciation of his literary legacy.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107003897