Publisher's Synopsis
The Princess Casamassima is a novel written by the renowned author, Henry James. The story is set in London during the late 19th century and revolves around the life of a young man named Hyacinth Robinson. Hyacinth is an intelligent and sensitive man who is torn between his loyalty to his working-class roots and his desire to join the upper-class society.Hyacinth is introduced to the reader as an orphan who is raised by his aunt and uncle in a poor neighborhood in London. Despite his humble beginnings, Hyacinth is highly educated and has a talent for creating beautiful objects. He is also a member of a secret society that seeks to overthrow the ruling class and establish a socialist government.One day, Hyacinth is approached by a mysterious woman named Princess Casamassima, who offers him a job as a secretary. The princess is a member of the aristocracy and is involved in a political movement that seeks to reform the government. Hyacinth is initially hesitant to accept the offer, but he eventually agrees and becomes involved in the princess's cause.As Hyacinth becomes more involved in the political movement, he begins to question his loyalty to his working-class roots. He also becomes romantically involved with the princess, which further complicates his situation. The novel explores themes of class, politics, and love, and is considered one of James's most complex works.Overall, The Princess Casamassima is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a nuanced portrayal of London society during the late 19th century. It is a must-read for fans of Henry James and those interested in the social and political issues of the time.He sank upon the old yellow sofa, the sofa of his lifetime and of so many years before, and buried his head on the shabby, tattered arm. A succession of sobs broke from his lips -- sobs in which the accumulated emotion of months and the strange, acute conflict of feelings that had possessed him for the three weeks just past found relief and a kind of solution. Lady Aurora sat down beside him, and laid her finger-tips gently on his hand. So, for a minute, while his tears flowed and she said nothing, he felt her timid, consoling touch. At the end of the minute he raised his head; it came back to him that she had said ""we"" just before, and he asked her whom she meant.--This is the version serialized 1885-86 by the Atlantic Monthly.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
