The Figure in the Carpet
The Figure in the Carpet, first published in 1896, is one of Henry James's stories about the literary life. The narrator, a young critic, reviews the work of the celebrated novelist Hugh Vereker and is told by Vereker himself that every critic has missed the one thing that runs through all his books, "like a complex figure in a Persian carpet." The narrator, his friend George Corvick and Corvick's fiancée, Gwendolen Erme, become obsessed with discovering the secret, and the hunt shapes their lives and relationships in ways none of them expected. Teasing and ironic, the story has become a reference point in debates about interpretation and hidden meaning in literature. 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 Figure in the Carpet
The Figure in the Carpet 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 Figure in the Carpet online?
Yes. The Figure in the Carpet 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 Figure in the Carpet free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Figure in the Carpet 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 Figure in the Carpet in the public domain?
Yes. The Figure in the Carpet 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 Figure in the Carpet?
About 1 h 02 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 Figure in the Carpet?
The Figure in the Carpet by Henry James is filed under "Short Stories" in the Vinteuil library.
