The American
The American, published in 1877, is Henry James's second novel and his first extended treatment of Americans in Europe. Christopher Newman, a self-made millionaire of thirty-five who has given up business, arrives in Paris in 1868 to enjoy himself and to find a wife worthy of his fortune. He fixes on Claire de Cintré, a widowed daughter of the ancient and impoverished Bellegarde family, and for a time her mother and elder brother tolerate him. When they withdraw their consent, Newman learns a secret that would ruin them, and must decide what to do with it. James later thought the ending too romantic, and rewrote the book for the stage. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The American
The American by Henry James can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The American online?
Yes. The American opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The American free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The American is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The American in the public domain?
Yes. The American by Henry James is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The American?
About 8 h 56 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The American?
The American by Henry James is filed under "Fiction" in the Vinteuil library.
