Ulysse’s Reviews > Henry James: Novels 1871–1880 > Status Update

Early HJ! I haven't come to most of these novels, the earliest James novels I read were The Europeans and Washington Square so look forward to your thoughts/quotes/recommendations/limericks (no pressure though :-)).

Vesna wrote: "Early HJ! I haven't come to most of these novels, the earliest James novels I read were The Europeans and Washington Square so look forward to your thoughts/quotes/recommendations/limericks (no pre..."

I read his early short stories last year and loved them almost as much as his later stuff (not too late, though, post-1900 James I find tough going). This time around I'm starting with Roderick Hudson, his second novel, as James considered his first to be an immature effort, leaving it out the New York edition of his works. Of course he also famously left out Washington Square and that one is a masterpiece. Can one really trust artists' opinions of their own work? Probably not. I will eventually get around to WaW, but RH seemed like a safer departure point for now. Phew, talk about a long-winded answer! Looks like the Master has already contaminated me with his expansive style.