A brash American expatriate confronts the profound differences between the Old and New Worlds in this classic tale.

Soon after wealthy businessman Christopher Newman decides to leave America for a life of leisure in Europe, he becomes acquainted with Claire de Cintré, a beautiful widow whose family—the Bellegardes—are mainstays of the French aristocracy. Determined to win Claire’s affection, Newman befriends her brother, Valentin, and pursues his romantic goals with a single-minded devotion. But Claire’s mother and older brother have meddled in her affairs before—and they have eyes on another, better-connected suitor, whose titles trump the wealth of the American expatriate.

One of James’ s earliest and most popular novels, The American casts a critical eye on the cultural differences between the United States and Europe. Packed with delightful social comedy, historical insight, and suspense, The American is the moving story of a man torn between his pride and his morals, and a compelling introduction to James’s oeuvre.

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