Henry James and the Imagination of Pleasure [Paperback]

Tessa Hadley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521119855 | ISBN-13: 978-0521119856 | Publication Date: September 17, 2009 | Edition: 1

Tessa Hadley examines how Henry James progressively disentangles himself from the moralizing frame through which English-language novels in the nineteenth century had visualized sexual passion. Hadley argues that his relationship with the European novel tradition was crucial, helping to leave behind the belief that only bad women could be sexual. She explores the emphasis James placed on the power of pleasure and play--themes central to his ambitious goal to represent the privileges and the pains of turn-of-the-century leisure class society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...it is a great pleasure to read Tessa Hadley's own prose: not only is her argument finely crafted; it is often eloquent..." The Henry James Review

"Treating primarily the novels of the 1890's, Hadley's welcome book provides an unprecedented analysis of the moral framework James trancended to express sexual passion in his fiction. This volume will deepen understanding of the power and subtleties of the great love affairs in James's fictions; it is an essential work of criticism for all collections of modern English literature." Choice

"...a welcome addition to recent assessments meant to combat our view of James..." English Literature in Transition 1880-1920

Book Description

Tessa Hadley examines how Henry James progressively disentangles himself from the moralizing frame through which English-language novels in the nineteenth century had imagined sexual passion. Hadley argues that his relationship with the European novel tradition was crucial, helping to leave behind a way of seeing in which only bad women could be sexual. She explores the emphasis James placed on the power of pleasure and play: themes which are central to his ambitious enterprise to represent the privileges and the pains of turn-of-the-century leisure class society.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (September 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521119855
• ISBN-13: 978-0521119856
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,123,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.