The Turn of the Screw

HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics. ‘The place, with its grey sky and withered garlands, its bared spaces and scattered dead leaves, was like a theatre after the performance-all strewn with crumpled playbills.’ Revered as one of the greatest ghost stories ever told, James’s The Turn of the Screw is an eerie Victorian masterpiece. When an inexperienced governess goes to work at Bly, a country house in Essex to look after a young boy Miles and his sister Flora, all manner of strange events begin to occur. The governess spots a ghostly man and woman around the grounds and is told by the housekeeper that the valet and previous governess haunt the house. It soon becomes clear that the children are inexplicably connected to these ghosts in some way and the young governess struggles to protect the children, although from exactly what, she is not sure. Exploring the psychological and sexual fears of an era, this ambiguous, suspenseful and anxiety-inspiring novella remains one of Henry James’s most well-known tales.

HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics. ‘The place, with its grey sky and withered garlands, its bared spaces and scattered dead leaves, was like a theatre after the performance-all strewn with crumpled playbills.’ Revered as one of the greatest ghost stories ever told, James’s The Turn of the Screw is an eerie Victorian masterpiece. When an inexperienced governess goes to work at Bly, a country house in Essex to look after a young boy Miles and his sister Flora, all manner of strange events begin to occur. The governess spots a ghostly man and woman around the grounds and is told by the housekeeper that the valet and previous governess haunt the house. It soon becomes clear that the children are inexplicably connected to these ghosts in some way and the young governess struggles to protect the children, although from exactly what, she is not sure. Exploring the psychological and sexual fears of an era, this ambiguous, suspenseful and anxiety-inspiring novella remains one of Henry James’s most well-known tales.

An unnamed young governess is sent to a country house to take charge of two orphans, Miles and Flora. Yet she is soon oppressed by a sense of foreboding and deep disquiet, becoming convinced that something dark is threatening her young charges. But are supernatural forces at work, or is the danger something altogether more earthly? Henry James’s masterpiece, and widely considered to be the greatest ghost story ever written, The Turn of the Screw remains the apogee of suspenseful, haunting writing in the English language.

An unnamed young governess is sent to a country house to take charge of two orphans, Miles and Flora. Yet she is soon oppressed by a sense of foreboding and deep disquiet, becoming convinced that something dark is threatening her young charges. But are supernatural forces at work, or is the danger something altogether more earthly? Henry James’s masterpiece, and widely considered to be the greatest ghost story ever written, The Turn of the Screw remains the apogee of suspenseful, haunting writing in the English language.

"The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James is a chilling masterpiece of psychological horror and suspense. Set in a remote English country estate, the story follows a young governess who becomes responsible for two orphaned children. However, her joy soon turns to dread as she begins to suspect that the house is haunted by malevolent spirits. As she grapples with increasingly eerie occurrences and the sinister influence of the children's former caretakers, the governess's sanity is called into question. James expertly crafts a narrative filled with ambiguity and tension, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is imagined. "The Turn of the Screw" is a haunting exploration of fear, repression, and the blurred lines between the supernatural and the human psyche.

'A most wonderful, lurid, poisonous little tale' Oscar Wilde The Turn of the Screw , James's great masterpiece of haunting atmosphere and unbearable tension, tells of a young governess sent to a country house to take charge of two orphans, Miles and Flora. Unsettled by a dark foreboding of menace within the house, she soon comes to believe that something, or someone, malevolent is stalking the children in her care. Is the threat to her young charges really a malign and ghostly presence, or a manifestation of something else entirely? Edited and with an Introduction and Notes by David Bromwich Series Editor: Philip Horne

'A most wonderful, lurid, poisonous little tale' Oscar Wilde The Turn of the Screw , James's great masterpiece of haunting atmosphere and unbearable tension, tells of a young governess sent to a country house to take charge of two orphans, Miles and Flora. Unsettled by a dark foreboding of menace within the house, she soon comes to believe that something, or someone, malevolent is stalking the children in her care. Is the threat to her young charges really a malign and ghostly presence, or a manifestation of something else entirely? Edited and with an Introduction and Notes by David Bromwich Series Editor: Philip Horne

This Norton Critical Edition includes: The New York Edition text of the novel—the one that had James’s final authority—newly and fully annotated by Jonathan Warren. A full introduction, compositional history and textual notes by Jonathan Warren. Revised and expanded contextual materials, topically organised to promote classroom discussion: “James, the Ghost Story, and the Supernatural”, “James on The Turn of the Screw”, “Other Possible Sources for The Turn of the Screw” and, new to the Third Edition, “Adaptations and Illustrations”. Thirty-two critical assessments—from early reactions to the present day—sixteen of them new to the Third Edition. A chronology and suggestions for further reading. About the Series Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format—annotated text, contexts and criticism—helps students to better understand, analyse and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.

This Norton Critical Edition includes: The New York Edition text of the novel—the one that had James’s final authority—newly and fully annotated by Jonathan Warren. A full introduction, compositional history and textual notes by Jonathan Warren. Revised and expanded contextual materials, topically organised to promote classroom discussion: “James, the Ghost Story, and the Supernatural”, “James on The Turn of the Screw”, “Other Possible Sources for The Turn of the Screw” and, new to the Third Edition, “Adaptations and Illustrations”. Thirty-two critical assessments—from early reactions to the present day—sixteen of them new to the Third Edition. A chronology and suggestions for further reading. About the Series Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format—annotated text, contexts and criticism—helps students to better understand, analyse and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a psychological ghost story about a young governess who is hired to care for two children at a remote country estate. She begins to see frightening apparitions of two former servants and becomes convinced that the ghosts are trying to corrupt the children. As her suspicions grow, the line between reality and imagination blurs, leaving readers unsure whether the governess is protecting the children from supernatural evil or descending into paranoia.

Part of the Chiltern Classics range The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a young governess who is sent to Bly, a large country estate, to care for two children. She has strict instructions from their guardian never to write to him, never to ask about the history of the house, and never to abandon the children. It isn't long before the Governess starts to see apparitions around the grounds. When she describes the sightings, they are identified by the housekeeper as the previous governess Miss Jessel and former valet Peter Quint, who both died not long ago. As the children's behaviour grows increasingly strange, the Governess becomes convinced that these ghosts have returned to claim Miles & Flora -and vows to protect them. ...But are the phantoms real, or is it all in the Governess' imagination? Chiltern are publishers of exquisitely crafted editions of the world's finest classic literature. These beautiful books are a perfect mix of tradition and the very latest in printing techniques. With wonderful original, detailed and embossed covers, sparkling gilt edges, cream art paper, ribbon markers and stitched binding they are simply the most beautiful classics ever published.

Chiltern Publishing creates the most beautiful editions of the World's finest literature. Your favorite classic titles in a way you have never seen them before; the tactile layers, fine details and beautiful colors of these remarkable covers make these titles feel extra special and will look striking on any shelf. The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a young governess who is sent to Bly, a large country estate, to care for two children. She has strict instructions from their guardian never to write to him, never to ask about the history of the house, and never to abandon the children. It isn't long before the Governess starts to see apparitions around the grounds. When she describes the sightings, they are identified by the housekeeper as the previous governess Miss Jessel and former valet Peter Quint, who both died not long ago. As the children's behavior grows increasingly strange, the Governess becomes convinced that these ghosts have returned to claim Miles and Flora -and vows to protect them. But are the phantoms real, or is it all in the Governess' imagination?