Helena: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Helena: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Helena is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Ward, Humphry, Mrs. (1851–1920).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Helena" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the immediate aftermath of World War I. The narrative centers around the dynamics between Lord Buntingford, a naval officer recently returned from service, and his newly appointed ward, Helena Pitstone, a spirited and rebellious young woman navigating the complexities of post-war society. Themes of freedom, authority, and the quest for personal identity are at the forefront as characters grapple with societal expectations and personal desires. The opening of "Helena" introduces us to Lord Buntingford as he contemplates the growing challenges posed by the "Middle Classes" through a circular appealing for support. We learn about his artistic sensibilities and his responsibility as Helena's guardian, a role he feels ambivalent about. The arrival of Helena hints at her strong personality—she is described as beautiful, intelligent, and self-willed, immediately engaging in playful exchanges with her guardian. As she arrives, her quick wit and desire for autonomy become apparent, setting the stage for potential conflicts with Lord Buntingford’s protective nature. The early scenes skillfully highlight the contrasting perspectives of the older and younger generations in a rapidly changing world, teasing the tensions that will unfold between personal ambitions and societal norms.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Helena
- Author credits: Ward, Humphry, Mrs. (1851–1920)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Guardian and ward -- Fiction
- Love stories
- Young women -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


