The Wings of the Dove (Penguin Classics)

Emerging from the grit and stigma of poverty to a life of fairytale privilege under the wing of her aunt, the beautiful and financially ambitious Kate Croy is already romantically involved with promising journalist Merton Densher when they become acquainted with Milly Theale, a New York socialite of immense wealth. Learning of Milly's mortal illness and passionate attraction to Densher, Kate sets the scene for a romantic betrayal intended to secure her lasting financial security. As the dying Milly retreats within the carnival splendour of a Venetian palazzo, becoming the frail hub of a predatory circle of fortune-seekers, James unfolds a resonant, brooding tale of doomed passion, betrayal, human resilience and remorse.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Review “He is as solitary in the history of the novel as Shakespeare in the history of poetry.” —Graham Greene Product Description An incomparable Henry James’s novel in a new edition Featuring a new introduction, it is a brilliant and sophisticated satire of manners and morals in the best Jamesian tradition. The Wings of the Dove is an indelible take on the tragic love triangle in which two poor yet ardent lovers seduce a dying woman in the hope that she will leave them her fortune. Kate Croy And Her Lover Scheme To Extort Money From A Naive And Trusting American Heiress Who Is Dying. Chronology -- Introduction -- Further Reading -- A Note On The Text -- The Wings Of The Dove -- Glossary Of Foreign Words And Expressions -- Notes. Henry James ; Edited With An Introduction And Notes By Millicent Bell. Includes Bibliographical References.