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The Laurel Henry James: Two Short Novels (The Aspern Papers and The Spoils of Poynton) [Feb 01, 1959] Henry James and R. P. Blackmur
The Laurel Henry James Two Short Novels Henry James and R P Blackmur - The Aspern Papers and The Spoils of Poynton - Feb 01, 1959 Author:James, Henry The Aspern Papers — Amidst the decaying splendor of a Venetian palace, 2 women live in penury and seclusion--one, the aged mistress of a great poet, long dead; the other, her spinster niece. For years they have zealously guarded some unpublished love letters of the poet; now into their lives comes a young man on a ruthless mission: to secure the ... more »letters on any terms. Inspired by an incident in the life of Lord Byron's mistress, this 1st-rate novella is unequalled in James for suspense, mood and virtuosity.
The Spoils of Poynton
James's 1st work in his later style, this wonderfully constructed short novel centers around the fate of a family home. Mrs. Gereth, a widow of great charm and equal force, is aghast at the idea of relinquishing her beloved "Poynton" to the modernizing hand of her son Owen's shallow fiancee. She plans to divert Owen's affections to a more worthy girl, of her own choosing. But the plan comes to an unexpected conclusion.« less