The Turn of the Screw
(Author) Henry James"[James] is the most intelligent man of his generation." -T. S. Eliot "The economy of horror is carried to its last degree."-Edith Wharton "The most hopelessly evil story that we could have read in any literature"-The Independent Henry James' The Turn of the Screw (1898) is one of the most gripping psychological novellas ever written; a grim tale that could equally be a tale of madness or a tale of the supernatural. The depths and meaning of this story has been one of the most fascinating literary debates in all of literature. The intriguing asymmetry of The Turn of the Screw, between the seen vs. unseen, the internal v. the external, and good vs. evil, rises this book beyond what can be described as a simple ghost story. The novella begins on Christmas Eve with the recitation of a letter. The story quickly shifts to the perspective of a governess, who is the subject of the strangely ambiguous story. She had been employed by a dashing bachelor to take care of his niece and nephew in a remote country home. To her surprise, she is requested not to reach the uncle of the children under any circumstance. She is smitten by Flora, the little girl, but receives a letter that the boy, Miles, has been expelled from his school and would not be able to return. One evening, strolling outside, the governess is shocked to see a man in the tower of the house, and later in a window. When she describes him to Mrs. Grouse, the maid, she is informed that the description matches that of a former valet, who had died. Later, while at the lake with Flora, the governess sees a second apparition, that of the governess who proceeded her. As the ghosts eventually occupy the house, the governess develops a fearful obsession of the corruption of the children by the terrifying spirits. This gripping work of the unknown and moral decline is one of the most haunting pieces of fiction in the western canon. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Turn of the Screw is both modern and readable.
Henry James
Henry James was an American novelist and critic known for his psychological realism and exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His most notable works include "The Portrait of a Lady," "The Turn of the Screw," and "The Wings of the Dove." James' writing style is characterized by intricate prose, detailed character development, and nuanced exploration of social conventions and moral dilemmas.
James is considered one of the most important figures in 19th-century American literature, often credited with shaping the modern novel through his innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insight. His impact on the literary genre of the novel is profound, with many critics and writers citing him as a major influence on their work.
One of Henry James' most famous works is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story that explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural. The novella is widely regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror and has been adapted into various film and stage adaptations. Henry James' contributions to literature continue to be celebrated and studied for their profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of human experience.
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The Complete Writings of Henry James on Art and Drama
Volume 1, Art
