This amusing parable was written by James to make up a book-sized collection of his tales in 1903 (see the note on the text for details). It pokes wry fun at the visitor industry surrounding, even a century ago, the birthplace of England’s greatest poet, clearly recognisable from the clues in the story as William Shakespeare. As such it is a refreshing antidote to continuing Will-mania.
While you are reading the tale do look out for all the subtle Shakespeare references in the text!
further introductory remarks in preparation
this introduction
© 1999
part of an etext edition of
The birthplace
on
the Ladder : a Henry James website