The birthplace

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Henry James

The birthplace

(written 1903, text of 1903)

Introduction

by Adrian Dover

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-mainia.

While you are reading the tale do look out for all the subtle Shakespeare references in the text!

For details of the text sources and subsequent critical discussion see the bibliography. You may be interested in details of any problems I encountered while editing the source text for its presentation here, which can be found on a separate page, otherwise just start reading.