Henry James: Novels 1871–1880 (1983) is a cornerstone volume in the Library of America series, collecting the early masterworks of American literature’s foremost stylist as he honed his craft. This meticulously edited tome presents three seminal novels from James’s “international theme” period, showcasing his exploration of transatlantic culture clashes and psychological nuance:
- Watch and Ward (1871) – James’s debut novel, a lesser-known but fascinating study of obsession and guardianship, where a man raises a young girl to become his ideal wife.
- Roderick Hudson (1875) – A tragic tale of an American sculptor in Rome, torn between artistic genius and self-destruction, marking James’s first mature work.
- The American (1877) – The quintessential “innocent abroad” story, following wealthy businessman Christopher Newman’s doomed love affair with a French aristocrat, exposing Old World prejudices.
Edited by William T. Stafford, the volume includes James’s own 1907 revisions for the New York Edition, allowing readers to trace his evolving style. The Library of America’s signature features—acid-free paper, sewn binding, and a ribbon marker—make this a durable tribute to James’s intricate prose.
For James enthusiasts, the companion Novels 1881–1886 (1985) includes The Portrait of a Lady. Newcomers might start with Daisy Miller (1878) for a shorter introduction to his themes.
(Fun fact: James wrote The American while living in Paris, where his friendship with Turgenev and Flaubert deepened his realism.)
