Sir Dominick Ferrand (ePub)

Henry James (1843-1916) stands as a towering figure in the transition from 19th-century literary realism to 20th-century modernism. Born in New York City to a prominent intellectual family, James spent much of his life in Europe, and his writings often explore the complex interactions between Americans and Europeans with a sensibility that is at once incisive and nuanced. His literary achievements encompass over 20 novels, more than a hundred novellas, and numerous short stories, plays, and works of criticism.

James's fiction is characterized by its focus on the consciousness of his characters, and his narrative technique often involves an intricate examination of their psychological depth. His prose can be both challenging and rewarding, dense with subtlety and implication. Among his notable works are 'The Portrait of a Lady' (1881), 'The Wings of the Dove' (1902), and 'The Ambassadors' (1903). The novella 'Sir Dominick Ferrand' stands as an important piece within James's oeuvre, revealing his adept ability to weave intricate plots surrounding themes of personal morality, ambition, and the dichotomy of public versus private personas. A prolific letter writer, James's correspondence also offers significant insight into his thoughts on literature and art. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911, 1912, and 1916, affirming his status as a seminal figure in the literary canon.