The Lesson of the Master

Young writer Paul Overt is elated to meet Henry St. George, a celebrated novelist he idolizes. But as their friendship deepens, St. George warns him of the sacrifices true artistic greatness demands—particularly the dangers of marriage and worldly distractions. When Overt falls for a woman who seems to share his literary dreams, he must decide whether to follow his heart or heed the lesson of the master. The Lesson of the Master is a short story by Henry James, originally published in 1888. HENRY JAMES [1843 -1916] was born in New York but emigrated to Europe early in life. He is one of the most important figures in Anglo-Saxon turn-of-the-century literature, with novels such as The American [1877] and the horror novel The Turn of the Screw [1898].