The Beldonald Holbein by Henry James

Name: The Beldonald Holbein
Author: Henry James

The Beldonald Holbein is a novel by Henry James, first published in 1891. It tells the story of a young Englishman, Beldonald Holbein, who is sent to Germany to study art. While there, he falls in love with a beautiful German girl, and is soon caught up in a web of intrigue and romance. The novel follows Beldonald as he navigates the complex social and political landscape of 19th century Germany. He is soon embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage, as he is recruited by a mysterious figure to spy on the German government. As the story progresses, Beldonald must decide between his love for the girl and his loyalty to his country. The Beldonald Holbein is a classic example of Henry James' writing, with its intricate plot and vivid characters. It is a captivating story of love, loyalty, and espionage, and is sure to keep readers enthralled until the very end.

By Henry James · First published 1916 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 5 chapters · 8,320 words

First lines

Mrs. Munden had not yet been to my studio on so good a pretext as when she first intimated that it would be quite open to me--should I only care, as she called it, to throw the handkerchief--to paint her beautiful sister-in-law. I needn't go here more than is essential into the question of Mrs. Munden, who would really, by the way, be a story in herself. She has a manner of her own of putting things, and some of those she has put to me--! Her implication was that Lady Beldonald hadn't only seen and admired certain examples of my work, but had literally been prepossessed in favour of the painter's "personality." Had I been struck with this sketch I might easily have imagined her ladyship was throwing me the handkerchief. "She hasn't done," my visitor said, "what she ought."

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The Beldonald Holbein is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1916 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Henry James
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction
Length: 8,320 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 113 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The Beldonald Holbein is a novel written by Henry James, a renowned author of literary fiction. The novel is known for its complex characters and intricate plot, which are hallmarks of the literary fiction genre.
Romance — The Beldonald Holbein features a romantic subplot between two of the main characters, making it a romance novel as well.
Historical Fiction — The Beldonald Holbein is set in the late 19th century, making it a historical fiction novel as well.