The Portrait of a Lady, widely regarded as Henry James's best work and a lucid tragedy examining the gap between wealth and happiness, has an introduction by Philip Horne in Penguin Classics. It is anticipated that Isabel Archer, a stunning and vivacious American, will get married shortly when her affluent aunt Touchett brings her to Europe. However, Isabel does not hesitate to decline two suitable suitors because she is determined to take advantage of the independence that her riches has provided and to control her own destiny. She then feels an overwhelming attraction to Gilbert Osmond. Osmond, who is charming and refined, views Isabel as a valuable gift just waiting to be claimed.
