Publisher's Synopsis
First published in 1875, this novel by best-selling author Henry James tells the story of a rich man who recognizes the talent in a small-town sculptor and takes him to Rome where he expects his protégée to flourish under the influence of the Italian masters, which is indeed what he does, until the undermining appearance of beautiful but troublesome Christina Light turns the head of the young artist, who was engaged just prior to his departure for the continent, to the plain but interesting Mary Garland, to whom Rowland has also taken a shine, but remains silent as he is an honorable gentleman, and wonders how he can get Roderick to focus on his art once more, which works for a time but then things take a turn for the worse and off they go to Switzerland where there is some inclement weather...
