Daisy Miller: A Study: A Tale of Innocence, Judgement and Cultural Collision

She defied convention with charm and innocence—but Europe wasn’t ready for Daisy Miller.

Daisy A Study by Henry James is a novella first published in 1878 in the UK and later in book form in 1879. Set in Switzerland and Italy, it explores the clash between American spontaneity and European social restraint. Through the eyes of Winterbourne, a reserved American expatriate, we meet Daisy—a young woman whose flirtatious freedom unsettles the rigid codes of Old World society. What begins as a light courtship soon spirals into scandal, judgment, and tragedy.

Sneak Peak
“I have never allowed a gentleman to dictate to me, or to interfere with anything I do.”

Synopsis
In Daisy Miller, Henry James crafts a poignant portrait of a young American woman navigating the social minefields of Europe. Daisy’s charm and confidence captivate Winterbourne, but her refusal to conform to European expectations leads to gossip, ostracism, and ultimately, heartbreak. As Winterbourne struggles to interpret her behavior—innocent flirtation or reckless defiance?—James invites readers to question the nature of judgment, freedom, and cultural identity.
This Vintage Bookworks edition remains faithful to the original 1879 publication—unmodified and unabridged—offering readers a timeless exploration of innocence, perception, and societal constraint.

A Beautifully Preserved Classic
At Vintage Bookworks, we take great care to ensure that the original integrity of this book is preserved to the highest standard. This edition remains faithful to the author's original publication—unmodified and unaltered—allowing you to experience the work exactly as it was intended. If you appreciate classic literature, this book will make a wonderful addition to your collection or a thoughtful gift for someone special. We are ready to ship it to you right away so you can enjoy a timeless piece of history in its authentic form.

Title DetailsOriginal 1879 textLiterary fiction novella