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The Wings of the Dove

By Henry James
Penguin Classics
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.78 goodreads logo

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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 Wings of the Dove by Henry James explores themes of love, deception, and illness through the story of a wealthy, dying heiress who becomes entangled in a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and personal ambition. Set against the backdrop of London and Venice, the novel delves into the intricate dynamics between its characters, revealing the intensity of their desires and the consequences of their actions. This richly woven narrative examines human motivations with James's characteristic psychological depth.
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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 complex moral dilemmas. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness, set against the backdrop of Edwardian society, and reflects Henry James's keen insight into human nature and social conventions.

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Emerging from the grit and stigma of poverty to a life of fairytale privilege under the wing of her aunt, the beautiful and financially ambitious Kate Croy is already romantically involved with promising journalist Merton Densher when they become acquainted with Milly Theale, a New York socialite of immense wealth.

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

Part of a series of new editions of Henry James's most famous novels and short stories.

Emerging from the grit and stigma of poverty to a life of fairytale privilege under the wing of her aunt, the beautiful and financially ambitious Kate Croy is already romantically involved with promising journalist Merton Densher when they become acquainted with Milly Theale, a New York socialite of immense wealth.

Learning of Milly's mortal illness and passionate attraction to Densher, Kate sets the scene for a romantic betrayal intended to secure her lasting financial security. As the dying Milly retreats within the carnival splendour of a Venetian palazzo, becoming the frail hub of a predatory circle of fortune-seekers, James unfolds a resonant, brooding tale of doomed passion, betrayal, human resilience and remorse.

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 Wings of the Dove is celebrated for its masterful prose, notably highlighted by Louis Auchincloss as representative of the zenith of Henry James's literary style. It delves deeply into themes of deception and desire within a complex narrative, showcasing James's ability to explore human psychology with precision and depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141441283

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 March 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Millicent Bell
  • Edited by Millicent Bell

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 415g

Pages: 608

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 Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction

About the Author

Henry James was born on April 15th 1843 in New York. He was the brother of the philosopher and psychologist William James. He spent a great deal of his life in Europe, especially England. He is best known for his cosmopolitan and often haunting portraits of European and American life. His most famous fictional works include The Portrait of a Lady (1881), What Maisie Knew (1897), The Turn of the Screw (1898), The Wings of the Dove (1902), The Ambassadors (1903) and The Golden Bowl (1904). He also wrote literary criticism, most famously The Art of the Fiction (1884). He died on February 28th 1916.

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