The Ambassadors

"As soon as Strether sets foot in Europe and falls in with sophisticated Maria Gostrey, his trip takes an unexpected turn. To prove himself worthy of the hand of Mrs Newsome, Strether must save her son Chad from the temptations of Paris and return him safely to New England. But, on arrival, instead of moral degeneration, Strether finds charm, wisdom and bonhomie. As spring becomes summer, he is drawn into Chad's circle and subtly seduced by European ways. Far from rescuing Chad from iniquity, it seems that Strether himself may require salvation. A comprehensive edition with introduction, notes, selected criticism and chronology of James's life and times"