Henry James was one of the greatest literary figures of the 19th century and his works are considered mini masterpieces of the time. He was born in New York City into a wealthy and intellectual family. Young James was tutored in the many learning centers of Europe and also studied at the Harvard Law School for some time. But he liked his literary pursuits to the study of law. James preferred living in Europe than in America and even renounced his American Citizenship for its refusal to enter in to World War I. He was a regular contributor to literary magazines and started his first novel “Watch and Ward” in his early twenties. His masterpieces like “Daisy Miller” and “Portrait of a Lady” quickly followed. His protagonist are complex individuals battling personal and provincial prejudices and many a time bring about the complexities of American and European lives. Henry James died at the age of 65 and his ashes are interred at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Outcry is a humorous novel by Henry James about the collection of art by the wealthy irrespective of their knowledge and taste. This novel was intended as a play and therefore one can find the dialogues are more prominent than the background with better banter between the characters.
Lord Theign plans to sell his paintings to Breckenridge Bender, a wealthy American Magnate who plans to collect art from across the world. Theign's elder daughter has amassed large debts by gambling and he needs money immediately to cover these costs. Bender arrives and asks for the portrait of Duchess of Waterbridge by Joshua Reynolds which Theign is loath to part. Another common fixture is Lady Sandgate who hopes to find a buyer in Bender of her great grand mother's portrait by Lawrence.
Lord John, a wealthy but slimy aristocrat is smitten by Lady Grace and plans to win her hand by smoothening out the debts. Lord Theign and his elder daughter are very much inclined to the match, but Grace declines as she feels John to be a lazy cunning man. To this convoluted scene Harry Crimble, a journalist cum art critic arrive to meet the perceptive Grace to view all the paintings at the hall. Soon he finds that the little known Morretto which Bender wants to buy is a real Mantavano who would command a higher price. He ventures his guess to Theign who is skeptical and agrees reluctantly for a expert viewing. Crimble also is against the selling of Britain's historical artefact's to the money bags of the new world.
He kicks up a storm about the sale in the British papers which sure rises to be a national thunderstorm. But Bender is only mildly amused and plans to buy if it is for sale. Lady Grace fights with Lord Theign about her rejecting of Lord John's proposal and stays with Lady Sandgate. John on the other hand hopes to make some money by brokering a deal between Bender and Theign. Grace and Crimble meanwhile realize their attraction for each other and seal it with a kiss. Theign is furious and asks Amy Sandgate for help. Slowly all things come to a clear verdict as Theign realizes the dirty game played by John. Crimble is vindicated as Theign agrees to donate the painting to the British Gallery. He persuades Lady Sandgate to do the same and marries her for her part.
This novel again takes up Henry James pet project of the clashes between the Old World Europe and the Young brash America. The trophy acquisitions were frowned upon by James and the book created a mild furore. The book compared to his other works is very short and humorous. So it is a much interesting fast paced story even thought he ending is pretty tame.
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