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The Turn of the Screw (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Paperback – January 1, 1991

by Henry James (Author)

3.8 6,877 ratings

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Widely recognized as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories, this classic tale of moral degradation concerns the sinister transformation of two innocent children into flagrant liars and hypocrites. The story begins when a governess arrives at an English country estate to look after Miles, aged ten, and Flora, eight. At first, everything appears normal but then events gradually begin to weave a spell of psychological terror.
One night a ghost appears before the governess. It is the dead lover of Miss Jessel, the former governess. Later, the ghost of Miss Jessel herself appears before the governess and the little girl. Moreover, both the governess and the housekeeper suspect that the two spirits have appeared to the boy in private. The children, however, adamantly refuse to acknowledge the presence of the two spirits, in spite of indications that there is some sort of evil communication going on between the children and the ghosts.
Without resorting to clattering chains, demonic noises, and other melodramatic techniques, this elegantly told tale succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tingling suspense and unspoken horror matched by few other books in the genre. Known for his probing psychological novels dealing with the upper classes, James in this story tried his hand at the occult — and created a masterpiece of the supernatural that has frightened and delighted readers for nearly a century.

Print length

96 pages
Language

English
Publisher

The Modern Library
Publication date

January 1, 1991
Dimensions

5.3 x 0.25 x 8.13 inches
ISBN-10

9780486266848
ISBN-13

978-0486266848
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Debuting in 1990, the Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world. Dover’s longstanding mission of exceptional value has consistently offered excellence in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.

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From the Publisher

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James Dover Thrift Editions Classic Novels

Henry James tried his hand at the occult — and created a masterpiece of the supernatural that has frightened and delighted readers for nearly a century.

One of literature's most gripping ghost stories depicts the sinister transformation of 2 innocent children into flagrant liars and hypocrites. Elegantly told tale of unspoken horror and psychological terror creates what few stories in literature have been able to do — a complete feeling of dread and uncertainty.

“Of course I was under the spell, and the wonderful part is that, even at the time, I perfectly knew I was. But I gave myself up to it; it was an antidote to any pain,and I had more pains than one.”

Without resorting to clattering chains, demonic noises, and other melodramatic techniques, this elegantly told tale succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tingling suspense and unspoken horror matched by few other books in the genre.

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Widely recognized as one of literature's most gripping ghost stories, this classic tale of moral degradation concerns the sinister transformation of two innocent children into flagrant liars and hypocrites. The story begins when a governess arrives at an English country estate to look after Miles, aged ten, and Flora, eight. At first, everything appears normal but then events gradually begin to weave a spell of psychological terror.
Without resorting to clattering chains, demonic noises, and other melodramatic techniques, this elegantly told tale succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tingling suspense and unspoken horror matched by few other books in the genre. Known for his probing psychological novels dealing with the upper classes, James in this story tried his hand at the occult—and created a masterpiece of the supernatural that has frightened and delighted readers for nearly a century.

About the Author

American author Henry James (1843–1916) spent most of his career in Europe and ultimately adopted British citizenship. A prolific writer of criticism, biography, and travel-related books and articles, James is known above all for his highly influential novels, which frequently explore the clash of Old and New World cultures.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0486266842
Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Modern Library; Reprint edition (January 1, 1991)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 96 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780486266848
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486266848
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.65 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.25 x 8.13 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #390,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,277 in Ghost Fiction
- #10,183 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #21,151 in Literary Fiction (Books)

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3.8 6,877 ratings

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Henry James

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Henry James (1843-1916), the son of the religious philosopher Henry James Sr. and brother of the psychologist and philosopher William James, published many important novels including Daisy Miller, The Wings of the Dove, The Golden Bowl, and The Ambassadors.

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Rachael Pratt

A Classic

Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024

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I had read this story many years ago for school and remembered loving it then but I couldn't remember much about it. I read it again as an adult and I am still as affected by it as I was then. This is a wonderfully creepy story. The language is hard to follow sometimes but you get the gist of the story even if you don't get all the nuances. This is such a classic ghost story and I loved it so much. It is a short read but it keeps you very interested throughout the story.

One person found this helpful

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jenlynn

Terrifying, read with all the lights on!

Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2015

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Great ghost story which I was inspired to read from growing up watching the innocents with Deborah Kerr, there is something so eerie and terrifying about a classic black and white film that makes you want to hide behind your pillow before special effects existed. I looked it up and found out it was based on a Henry James novel, so out of complete curiosity and the fact being my favorite genre is classic novels I was excited to read this story. Some of my favorite authors happen to include Oscar Wilde and Thomas Hardy I thought this book would suite me perfectly. I'll start off with the positives and that being it is gripping and absolutely terrifying! I found myself resorting to shutting the closet door so I wouldn't feel like something was watching me as I read. This novel is narrated from the perspective of a governess hired to move to the country at an estate called Bly and look after the two children residing there. The children are brother and sister Flora and Miles who are the niece and nephew of the man who hires the governess,after their parents died and the estranged uncle can't be bothered to raise them. The governess soon falls in love with Flora the young girl and later falls equally in love with Miles after she meets him later when he is kicked out of an all boys boarding school, for reasons he won't share or discuss. Mrs. Grose is the housekeeper at Bly and has worked there for years, she soon becomes fast friends with the governess and they share and very strong relationship throughout the story. Soon we find out that our governess wasn't the first hired by the children's uncle and there was a terrible accident involving the last governess Miss. Jessel who was found dead in the pond that Flora loves to play by and that Flora was very fond of Miss. Jessel. As James governess begins to settle she starts to see strange things that begin surprisingly with her seeing a strange man among the grounds who is later revealed to be Peter Quint a man hired around the time of Miss. Jessel, who also turns out to have passed away shortly before Miss. Jessel. As the governess begins to have sightings of both these ghosts now roaming Bly she slowly learns the story behind their deaths she learns the dark history they share, fearing what these ghosts want and whether or not the children know of their presence makes this story gripping until the end. The reason I gave this book only 4 stars even though I really enjoyed the story is I'm not a huge fan of Henry James writing style. I found it somewhat hard to follow and maybe even a little bit scattered at times, the narrative was a little easier as I settled into the story but I had to reread certain parts to stay on point and going the direction I knew James wanted me to go. All in all it is a gripping and compelling read and I believe most people would not be able start this book without finishing it, you may just feel yourself sorting through details and lovely words to understand what James is trying to say. Another fun bonus is watching The Innocents after reading it, it's always fun reading a story and then seeing it brought to life after.

10 people found this helpful

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Constantine

Chilling and ambiguous

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024

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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Classic + Horror

This is a horror classic that I had to read because its movie adaptation, starring Nicole Kidman, is one of my favorite horror films of all time. The Others was based on this horror novella, so I had high expectations.

The story is told through the journal of a young governess who is employed to look after two orphaned children in a remote manor. Pretty soon, she starts to believe that the estate is actually haunted by the spirits of long-gone workers who are out to corrupt the poor kids. The governess's sanity is tested as her disturbing visions intensify, prompting the reader to wonder if these are actually evil spirits or the product of her troubled mind.

The story is intriguing for sure, as it depends a lot on its ambiguity. The narration sometimes feels unreliable because, as a reader, it will be hard to understand or be sure of the sanity of the governess. There are differences between the book and the movie. The main character in the movie is the children’s mother, and there is a huge plot twist at the end, which is not in the book. Regardless of that, this novella was still creepy and entertaining.

Helpful

Reinold F.

What happened?! fascinating mystery, reads as a manga. (AmazonClassics Edition)

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2019

Verified Purchase

After finishing it I re-read parts to look for clues, and even went to internet to check theories. I seldom do that! :O This is a ghost story that reads also as a detective story and a psychological thriller. Read it as a ghost story and it's about a wealthy and invisible man that has set, being by design or by fear, a cursed place with wicked and beautiful people with an agenda over two children, the apparition of the ghosts is formidable and scary through their silent threat. As a detective story it is about murders and hidden romances, for moments seems a way to plan an assassination; each utterance is a clue, each data has a background, the ghosts could be an alibi. And lastly it could be psychological, the narration is told at first by a group that accepts the existence of ghosts, and then by the governess hired by the wealthy gentleman under stressing conditions; she tells us her story but we cannot trust her, she hides her feelings, if she is convinced (and convinces others) about the ghosts existence is in grounds of mostly her word. There is a clear answer? there is not, but it is done in a way that it gives you curiosity to read it again.

I mention it reads as a manga for the language used, Japanese authors tend to write characters to be a tad more dramatic, they speak in a suspicious and indirect way, a tone similar to: '"he" is arriving', 'this is "his" choice', the awe felt through the revelations,the persecutions and in general dynamic narration. I love this book, I am not sure if I could recommend it though, I have a fascination with 19th century British literature, a fascination that few share. If you like that period as me then "The Turn of the Screw" is amazing. Without this story maybe the cinema genre of ghosts would not exist as we know it.

The AmazonClassics Edition is excellent. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the best available: it has useful X-Ray, modern typography and a limpid and comfortable to read formatting, as always the only absence is the original year of publication in the first page. Beyond that minor detail is a pleasure to read it in this edition, the text is pure as if had just been published, just a short author biography at the end. Highly recommended.

10 people found this helpful

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Maria

Assustador!!!

Reviewed in Brazil on January 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

Eu n conseguia parar de olhar para as janelas da casa depois q li esse livro!!! Passei muito medo! Foi demais!

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Amazon Customer

Glad I persevered with this book !

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2023

Verified Purchase

This is a very strange book. I found the convoluted sentences difficult but then I had to read them closely in case I missed a clue as to the progression/unfolding of the story. Very slowly my own impression of the un named governess starts to change about half way through the book. I started to feel very sure that she was delusional and obsessive….. I don’t want to influence others opinions but the last chapters of the book convince me she is to put it mildly mentally disturbed I found myself questioning her motives more and more finding her behaviour manipulative and quite frankly frightening. The narrative is first person throughout and it becomes clear how gradually her mental state is deteriorating and whilst we are seeing everything through her eyes the author has been exceedingly skilful in suggesting it. I would not have missed reading it for anything and shall read it again in the future.

2 people found this helpful

Mitali Sahoo

This is my favourite book by Henry James, perfect for horror fans.

Reviewed in India on February 14, 2022

Verified Purchase

This is my favourite book by Henry James, perfect for horror fans. The book was delivered in perfect condition and the cover is stunning!

One person found this helpful

rjs

Excellent but needs a very close read or you will ...

Reviewed in Canada on January 28, 2018

Verified Purchase

Excellent but needs a very close read or you will miss the story and its complexity. The narrator inserts prepositional phrases in the main verb phrase which can make following the story difficult at times; also, antecedents of personal pronouns can be confusing in the dialogues. Make the effort and be amazed.

Elisavet

👍👍

Reviewed in Spain on November 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Muy contenta con la entrega y con la calidad del libro

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The Turn of the Screw (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Paperback – January 1, 1991

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Religion

Are there any collections of stories or poetry in the Dover Thrift Editions?

What formats are the Thrift Editions available in?

American History/History

Black History

Biography and Autobiography

Classic Novels

Crime, Mystery and Thrillers

Literary Collections

Short Stories

Gothic and Horror

Philosophy

Plays

Psychology

Poetry

Political Science

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From the Publisher

Henry James tried his hand at the occult — and created a masterpiece of the supernatural that has frightened and delighted readers for nearly a century.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the author

Henry James

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The Turn of the Screw (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels) Paperback – January 1, 1991

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may ship from close to you

From the brand

Religion

Are there any collections of stories or poetry in the Dover Thrift Editions?

What formats are the Thrift Editions available in?

American History/History

Black History

Biography and Autobiography

Classic Novels

Crime, Mystery and Thrillers

Literary Collections

Short Stories

Gothic and Horror

Philosophy

Plays

Psychology

Poetry

Political Science

SciFi and Fantasy

Speeches and Quotations

From the Publisher

Henry James tried his hand at the occult — and created a masterpiece of the supernatural that has frightened and delighted readers for nearly a century.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the author

Henry James

Customer reviews

Reviews with images

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

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