Author

Henry James

Henry James — one title in the rankings.

Editor’s note American-born novelist who settled in England in 1876 and became a British subject in 1915, a year before his death. His great theme is Americans meeting old Europe, in novels such as The Portrait of a Lady (1881) and The Ambassadors (1903), whose long, winding late style is famously demanding. The Turn of the Screw (1898), the novella most people read, leaves it open whether the ghosts are real or the governess is imagining them. For an easier start, try Washington Square or Daisy Miller.

Ranked titles: 1 book
Average score: 6.7
Total ratings: 471
First published: 1898