Bent Northrop Memorial Library

Classic novella about a captivating young American, Daisy Miller, whose behavior causes conflicting feelings in the mind of would-be suitor, Winterbourne.

Many critics consider "The Portrait of a Lady" Henry James's finest achievement and Isabel Archer one of the greatest heroines in all literature. An American heiress just arrived in Europe, Isabel is high-spirited and independent. Two eligible suitors, an English aristocrat and an aggressive American, both woo her. She refuses them, but finds herself captivated by the chrarms of Gilbert Osmond, a worthless, tyrannical dilettante. "The Portrait...

In early 20th-century London, Kate Croy is secretly engaged to Merton Denscher, a journalist possessing all the qualities of an ideal husband except money. By chance, Kate befriends American heiress Milly Theale, whom she learns is suffering from a mysterious fatal illness. Kate, who truly cares for Milly, devises a scheme to maximize their combined assets: she encourages Merton to take an interest in Milly, to seduce her, and finally, to marry her....

The Portrait of a Lady: unfolds the story of Isabel Archer, a spritely young American, who visits her aunt in London, subsequently receives two marriage proposals, and declines them both. However, when she receives a large inheritance and meets Gilbert Osmond in her travels to Florence, Isabel accepts his hand in marriage. Once married, their relationship sours quickly, forcing Isabel to confront the choices she's made and the consequences she faces. Daisy...