In this lesser known classic James explores in miniature the themes of his major fiction, enlivened by a characteristically keen eye for character and a wry appreciation of both pretension and the absurd Blackport-on-Dwindle--"all granite, fog, and female fiction"--has been the Gedges' dull domain for some years. They leap, therefore, at the invitation to become the live-in guardians of the birthplace of their nation's literary hero. Anticipating romance and inspiration--in other words, everything that's been lacking in their daily lives to date--they find instead that the house casts an altogether more sinister spell. Also included is "The Private Life," another little-known work in which James again considers the relevance of the artist's persona--a theme with continued relevance in literature and the arts.

Henry James (1843-1916) was a novelist, playwright, and literary critic. His works include The Beast in the Jungle, The Portrait of a Lady, and The Turn of the Screw. Mark Rylance is a Tony- and BAFTA-award winning actor. He was the first artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe in London.