The Bostonians by Henry James

Some battles are fought with words, wit, and the stubborn conviction that you know what’s best for someone else. Henry James understood this better than most.

Meet Basil Ransom, a charming young lawyer fresh from Mississippi, visiting his cousin Olive in Boston. Olive is a wealthy, fiercely committed feminist, and when Basil accompanies her to a meeting on women’s emancipation, he crosses paths with the luminous Verena Tarrant. He disapproves of everything she stands for. And yet, he’s utterly captivated.

What follows is a tug-of-war for Verena’s heart and mind, a struggle between old traditions and the pull of progress, staged in a country still figuring out who it wants to become.

Often called James’s funniest novel and his most successful political work, The Bostonians is sharp, satirical, and surprisingly relevant. It’s a story about ideals, ambition, and the messy business of trying to shape another person.

This handsome Penguin Classics edition is one to linger over. Richard Lansdown’s thoughtful introduction sets the scene, while extracts from Tocqueville and James’s own “The American Scene” illuminate the world these characters inhabit. Complete with notes and a bibliography, it’s a beautifully curated way to meet a master at the height of his powers.

Penguin Classics remains the trusted name for classic literature, and this edition is no exception.

Perfect for a rainy afternoon by the cove, when the sea air rolls in and there’s nothing to do but turn the pages.

Come find it on our shelves. We’d love to help you discover your next favorite read.

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