Product Description

'You must paint her just like that ... as the Tragic Muse' Suggests one of James's characters to Nick Dormer, the young Englishman who, during the course of the novel, will courageously resist the glittering Parliamentary career desired for him by his family, in order to paint. His progress is counterpointed by the 'Tragic Muse' of the title, Miriam Rooth, one of James's most fierily beautiful creations, a great actress indifferent to social reputation, and triumphantly dedicated to her art. In portraying the conflict between art and 'the world' which is his novel's central idea, James engaged obliquely with current debates on the new aestheticism of Pater and Wilde and on the nature of the actor's performance. Through the living complexity of his protagonists he reveals how much, as Philip Horne puts it, 'to take art seriously as an end in itself ... is still a provocative course'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #344123 in Books
• Published on: 1995-01-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 576 pages

About the Author
Henry James (1843-1916) was born in New York and settled in Europe in 1875. He was a regular contributor of reviews, critical essays, and short stories to American periodicals. He is best known for his many novels of American and European character.

Customer Reviews

Not His Usual Fare
First printed in the Atlantic Monthly and then in book form in 1890 James let this book get out of hand and it became longer than intended, the same thing happened with The Princess Casamassima (Classics), however unlike the latter which has always been enjoyed more in the US than over here this book has never been that popular. This edition has small print that may put some people off and that detracts somewhat from the true size of this novel as it is rather a big rambling affair.

Both of the novels I have mentioned have been considered un-Jamesian, although if you were given them to read without knowing the title or the author I think it would be quite hard not to conclude who the true author was. Getting away from his more usual fare of New World meets Old World James has here turned his thoughts to whether art should be pursued for its own sake or just as a hobby, which can still be seen as relevant today, especially if you add in sportspersons. The story follows two people, Nick Dormer and Miriam Rooth. Nick could have a good career as a politician, he could marry Julia and if he pursues that career a Mr Carteret will see him well financially. The only problem is is that Nick wants to become an artist full time and not just dauble in his spare time. Miriam on the other hand wants to become an actress and has the full backing of her only living relative, her mother. Whilst Nick must decide whether to giveup a political career to become a painter Miriam can from the start set out on her dream. This story is told through these two main characters and their friends, relatives and acquaintances mainly taking part in London and Paris. Although that is the main basis of the story there is quite a bit of changing in relationships and you become to wonder who will marry who, or if anyone will get married.

Although this was never a favourite with the critics or reading public it shouldn't let you detract from giving this a go. If you think of the big and great novels written by the likes of say Anthony Trollope and you like them chances are you will like this. If you are coming to James for the first time though I would advise you to start with something different because this isn't James' usual fare. In sum then this book is enjoyable and very readable; admittedly it isn't up there with his greats but it is still way and ahead of most other authors.