The novella has had differing interpretations, often mutually exclusive. Many critics have tried to determine the exact nature of the evil hinted at by the story.

A young governess is hired to look after two children in a country house but sinister supernatural events soon begin to cause disquiet.

James's novel interweaves the public and private faces of nineteenth-century New York society, and is also a study of innocence destroyed."--BOOK JACKET.

The novel is a masterpiece of psychological insight and social commentary, offering a poignant reflection on the choices individuals make in pursuit of their desires.

The story had held us, round the fire, sufficiently breathless, but except the obvious remark that it was gruesome, as, on Christmas Eve in an old house, a strange tale should essentially be, I remember no comment uttered till somebody ...

The Bostonians Henry James - The Bostonians is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The Century Magazine in 18851886 and then as a book in 1886.

The work is an exercise in autobiographical exploration, illustrating James's formative experiences in the cultured environments of Europe that shaped his literary style and sensibilities.

The plot of the novel is based upon a true story told to James by his close friend, British actress Fanny Kemble.

With a wit and curiosity evident on every page, this book transformed the art of autobiography.