Henry James The Ambassadors.

Henry James

First Edition

Henry James. The Ambassadors. Franklin Library First Edition, 1981. Hardcover, 418 pages. Numerous illustrations. Limited Edition of 1/4 leather, great ribbed decorated spine, and gilt edges on all pages. Accented gilt motifs on covers. Marbleized endsheets and with a silk ribbon page marker. This beautiful book is about 9 " by 6 1/4". In excellent condition.

Henry James got the idea for The Ambassadors from his friend, novelist William Dean Howells, who while visiting his son in Paris was so impressed with European culture that wondered if life hadn't passed him by. The theme of liberation from a cramped, almost starved, emotional life into a more generous and gracious existence plays throughout The Ambassadors, yet it is noteworthy that James does not naïvely portray Paris as a faultless paradise for culturally stunted Americans. Strether learns about the reverse side of the European coin when he sees how desperately Marie fears losing Chad, after all she has done for him. The final lesson is to distrust preconceived notions and perceptions from anyone, anywhere, but to rely upon his own observation and judgment.

Item #16960

Price: $120.00