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The Bostonians

By Henry James
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Bostonians by Henry James is a nuanced exploration of post-Civil War American society. It delves into the complexities of women's rights and reform movements through the lives of strong-willed individuals. Focusing on the intense relationship between an ambitious feminist and her idealistic Southern cousin, the novel intricately portrays personal and political conflicts in the context of 19th-century New England.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to intricate character studies and debates about societal issues in 19th-century America, particularly focusing on themes of feminism, politics, and personal relationships. Its nuanced exploration of the motives and conflicts that shape its characters makes it a compelling read for those interested in psychological and social commentary.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Basil Ransom, a young Mississippi lawyer arrives to Boston in search of a career. Through his cousin, Olive Chancellor, Ransom comes to meet Verena, the beautiful daughter of a charlatan faith-healer. Olive hopes to win the girl over to the feminist cause, Ransom is attracted to her looks, and a battle for possession of the girl begins.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A provocative and astute portrayal of a world caught by the lure of progress.

Published in 1886, The Bostonians begins with the arrival in Boston of Basil Ransom, a young Mississippi lawyer in search of a career. Through his cousin, Olive Chancellor, Ransom comes to meet Verena, the beautiful daughter of a charlatan faith-healer and showman. When they hear Verena talk, Olive hopes to win the girl over to the feminist cause, Ransom is attracted to her looks, and a battle for possession of the girl begins.

With its discussion of the situation of women and its uncompromising depiction of the city and the media, The Bostonians is a modern novel which is immediately accessible and relevant today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bostonians by Henry James is praised for its sharp social critique of sexual politics and its devastating wit. The novel is noted for its audacious treatment of themes that were groundbreaking at the time of its publication.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140437669

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 2000

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Richard Lansdown
  • Introduction by Richard Lansdown
  • Notes by Richard Lansdown

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 323g

Pages: 448

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Henry James In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics

About the Author

Henry James (1843-1916) was born in New York and settled in Europe in 1875. He was a regular contributor of reviews, critical essays, and short stories to American periodicals. He is best known for his many novels of American and European character. Richard Lansdown is a Lecturer in English at James Cook University in Queensland Australia.

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