The American by Henry James (1877)

Name: The American
Author: Henry James

The novel revolves around Christopher Newman, a wealthy and successful American businessman who travels to Paris seeking love and acceptance into high society. He becomes infatuated with Claire de Cintre, a beautiful and charming young woman engaged to the Marquis de Bellegarde. Despite her initial reluctance, Newman's persistence eventually wins over Claire, but their happiness is short-lived as they face opposition from the aristocratic family and societal norms.

By Henry James · First published 1877 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 26 chapters · 164,086 words

First lines

On a brilliant day in May, in the year 1868, a gentleman was reclining at his ease on the great circular divan which at that period occupied the centre of the Salon Carré, in the Museum of the Louvre. This commodious ottoman has since been removed, to the extreme regret of all weak-kneed lovers of the fine arts, but the gentleman in question had taken serene possession of its softest spot, and, with his head thrown back and his legs outstretched, was staring at Murillo's beautiful moon-borne Madonna in profound enjoyment of his posture. He had removed his hat, and flung down beside him a little red guide-book and an opera-glass. The day was warm; he was heated with walking, and he repeatedly passed his handkerchief over his forehead, with a somewhat wearied gesture. And yet he was evidently not a man to whom fatigue was familiar; long, lean, and muscular, he suggested the sort of vigor that is commonly known as "toughness."

What this Textopian page supports

The American is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1877 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Henry James
Date: 1877 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Drama
Length: 164,086 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 2,957 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The American?
How does this novel by Henry James fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex themes of cultural clash and personal identity through detailed character development and sophisticated prose.
Romance — Central to the plot is a romantic storyline that drives the protagonist's motivations and actions.
Social Commentary — The narrative provides a critique of European aristocracy and American values, highlighting societal norms and expectations.
Psychological Fiction — The novel delves into the psychological motivations and inner conflicts of its characters, particularly the protagonist.