The Beast in the Jungle & Other Tales
(Author) Henry James'James's tales can be traps and ruses; they can also be complex self-descriptions in which his own fears and desires have full reign' Frances Wilson, from her Preface to The Beast in the Jungle & Other Tales This collection is made up of the later works in Henry James's repertoire, into which he threw the full weight of his creative fears - notably those concerned with the life he missed out on while distilling his experiences into literature. The stories explore the stairwells of the mind, where consciousness is figured as a place, where one could, terrifyingly, encounter one's alter ego. Tales such as 'The Beast in the Jungle' and 'The Jolly Corner' in this collection are such horror stories of the self. James' obsession with confrontation and escape is evident throughout this volume, often with marriage as the central tenet, as in 'The Bench of Desolation'. They are not without comedy, however, as with the wild goose chase which makes up the central narrative in 'The Figure in the Carpet'. Frances Wilson has selected these eleven stories and provided an original introduction to James's work.
Henry James
Henry James was an American novelist and critic known for his psychological realism and exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His most notable works include "The Portrait of a Lady," "The Turn of the Screw," and "The Wings of the Dove." James' writing style is characterized by intricate prose, detailed character development, and nuanced exploration of social conventions and moral dilemmas.
James is considered one of the most important figures in 19th-century American literature, often credited with shaping the modern novel through his innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insight. His impact on the literary genre of the novel is profound, with many critics and writers citing him as a major influence on their work.
One of Henry James' most famous works is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story that explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural. The novella is widely regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror and has been adapted into various film and stage adaptations. Henry James' contributions to literature continue to be celebrated and studied for their profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of human experience.
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