The Aspern Papers

Annotated Content
This edition has been annotated with the following unique content.Historical ContextDetailed 19th Century Analysis
"One doesn't defend one's god; one's god is in himself a defense."

The Aspern Papers is a novella by American writer Henry James, originally published in 1888.. It is based on the personal and intimate letters Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote to his wife Mary Shelley's stepsister, Claire Clairmont. It is considered one of Henry James' notable works, known for its exploration of the literary world and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.

Sneak Peek

"Her face was not young, but it was simple; it was not fresh, but it was mild. She had large eyes which were not bright, and a great deal of hair which was not 'dressed,' and long fine hands which were--possibly--not clean."

Synopsis

"The Aspern Papers" by Henry James is a novella that delves into the world of literary obsession and moral ambiguity. The story follows the narrator, an ambitious American editor, who becomes fixated on obtaining the private letters of the deceased poet Jeffrey Aspern. Aspern's former lover, the reclusive and elderly Miss Juliana Bordereau, guards the coveted letters with great secrecy. The narrator assumes a false identity to rent a room in Miss Bordereau's dilapidated Venetian villa, all in pursuit of the letters. The plot unfolds as a psychological game of cat and mouse, where the boundaries of ethical behavior are tested. James explores themes of manipulation, desire, and the destructive power of art in this gripping tale of literary pursuit and moral compromise.

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At Ombre Bookshelf Publications we take every step possible to ensure the original integrity of this book has been upheld to its highest standard. This means that the texts in this story are unedited and unchanged from the original authors publication, preserving its earliest form for your indulgence. This title at its core is classic literature, it contains words strung together with romantic precision. Superb classic literature that you just do not see in the modern age.

Title Details Original 1888 TextClassic literature