"A Most Unholy Trade," Being Letters on the Drama by Henry James

The four letters here printed for the first time are part of Henry Jamess informal correspondence with William Heinemann, the publisher. They are selected for their unity of subject, in that they concern themselves with Jamess impressions of Ibsens Little Eyolf and contain some general remarks on the drama. Written about the time of the publication of the first and second series of Jamess Theatricals, they indicate his ideas at the time when his consideration of the subject was most intense. Acknowledgment is made to Mrs. J. Tucker Murray and to Pierre de Chaignon la Rose, Esq., for permission to print two of these letters. I feel as if I couldnt thank you enough for introducing me to Ibsens prodigious little performance! I return it to you, by the same post conscientiously after two breathless perusals,which leave me with a yearning as impatient, an appetite as hungry, for the rest, as poor Ritas yearning & appetite are for the missing caresses of her Alfred. Do satisfy me better or more promptly than he satisfied her. The thing is immensely characteristic & immenselyimmense. I quite agree with you that it takes hold as nothing else[8] of his has as yet doneit appeals with an immoderate intensity & goes straight as a dose of castor oil! I hope to heaven the thing will reach the London stage: there ought to be no difficulty, if Rita, when she offers herself, can be restricted to a chair, instead of lying on her back on the sofa. Let her sit, and the objection vanishesI mean let her eschew the sofa. Of course I dont know what the rest brings forthbut this act & a half are a pureor an impureperfection. If he really carries on the whole play simply with these four people& at the same high pitch (its the pitch thats so magnificent!) it will be a feat more extraordinary than any hes achievedit will beat Ghosts. Admirable, gallant old man! The success of this would be high! I greatly enjoyed[9] our lovely luxurious (as Rita wd. say), fin de soire, on Monday. Tree is as dewily infantine as Eyolf! ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 65683
Author: James, Henry
Release Date: Jun 23, 2021
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Illustrator: Sargent, John Singer, 1856-1925