Washington Square

Written by Henry James

Narrated by Peter Joyce

In Washington Square James treats on a subject about which he was passionate - the relationship between parents and their children. Dr Sloper, a wealthy man, is in a difficult position. His son has died aged three years old. His wife also dies within two weeks of giving birth to their surviving daughter Catherine. She is a plain awkward child, yet capable of giving immense affection. She becomes fascinated by would-be man of the world Morris Townsend, falling in love with him very swiftly. Is Morris a fortune hunter? Is Catherine capable of making the right decision? Has Dr Sloper the right to control his daughter's destiny? The battle of wills is long and James, one feels, is not sure of the resolution. In Sloper's time and class what could he do? Listeners will find themselves caught on the horns of this moving dilemma.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Assembled Stories
• Release date: Oct 12, 2004
• ISBN: 9781860152931

Henry James

Henry James (1843-1916) was an American author of novels, short stories, plays, and non-fiction. He spent most of his life in Europe, and much of his work regards the interactions and complexities between American and European characters. Among his works in this vein are The Portrait of a Lady (1881), The Bostonians (1886), and The Ambassadors (1903). Through his influence, James ushered in the era of American realism in literature. In his lifetime he wrote 12 plays, 112 short stories, 20 novels, and many travel and critical works. He was nominated three times for the Noble Prize in Literature.