Net Worth →
Books Like…

The Princess Casamassima: Book Guide, Author and Facts

The Princess Casamassima by Henry James — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.

By the Pop Culture Files editorial team3 min read✓ Fact-checked
The Princess Casamassima book cover
Cover via OpenLibrary · OpenLibrary

The illegitimate and impoverished son of a dressmaker and a nobleman, Hyacinth Robinson has grown up with a strong sense of beauty that heightens his acute sympathy for the inequalities that surround him. Drawn into a secret circle of radical politics he makes a rash vow to commit a violent act of terrorism. But when the Princess Casamassima—beautiful, clever and bored—takes him up and introduces him to her own world of wealth and refinement, Hyacinth is torn. He is horrified by the destruction that would be wreaked by revolution, but still believes he must honour his vow, and finds himself gripped in an agonizing and, ultimately, fatal dilemma. A compelling blend of psychological observation, wit and compassion, The Princess Casamassima (1886) is one of Henry James's most deeply personal novels.

Quick facts about The Princess Casamassima

  • Title: The Princess Casamassima
  • Author: Henry James
  • First published: 1886
  • Genre: social life and customs, fiction, romance
  • OpenLibrary ID: OL276444W

Where to read The Princess Casamassima

The Princess Casamassima by Henry James is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.

Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Princess Casamassima about?

The illegitimate and impoverished son of a dressmaker and a nobleman, Hyacinth Robinson has grown up with a strong sense of beauty that heightens his acute sympathy for the inequalities that surround him.

Who wrote The Princess Casamassima?

The Princess Casamassima was written by Henry James.

When was The Princess Casamassima published?

The Princess Casamassima was first published in 1886.

Sources

More in Books & Authors