Since 2006, the University of Nebraska Press has worked to publish The Complete Letters of Henry James, an acclaimed series that fills a crucial gap in modern literary studies by presenting in a scholarly edition the complete letters of one of the great novelists and letter writers of the English language. Comprising more than ten thousand letters reflecting on a remarkably wide range of topics—from James’s own life and literary projects to broader questions on art, literature, and criticism—these editions are an indispensable resource for students of James and of American and English literature, culture, and criticism.

Were Mr. James around today, we think he would be delighted to contribute to the UNP blog. Today we’re sharing one of his many letters, written on Mar. 18, 1888.

From the Desk of Henry James

The following is an excerpt from The Complete Letters of Henry James (1887–1888) Vol. 2 by Henry James, edited by Michael Anesko, Greg W. Zacharias, and associate editor Katie Sommer (Nebraska, 2023).

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Rhoda Broughton
18 March [1888]
ALS Cheshire Archives and Local Studies

Dear Miss Broughton.
It is too bad—& too sad; but I hope you will find, yet, 2 or 3 neglected sovereigns in the pocket of some old gown or the crevice of some old armchair. I understand you, however, as I have spent all my own substance in this late passionate playgoing, & shall probably have to avoid forego the Royalty luxury for the rest of Coquelin’s stay. It is really too beastly dear. Two stalls cost 27/6! One can do much with that sum in butcherdom & bakerdom. Let me not embitter your regret & poison your privation by mentioning that I took Colonel Enderby’s Wife [1] to see Gabrielle [2] on Friday. (She is the daughter of Charles Kingsley [3], as perhaps you know—but has to make up for it by being the Sister-in-law of Clifford Harrison [4].) She was well=dressed & appreciative, & Coquelin was remarkable in a serious part—as an injured but magnanimous husband. He wept so beautifully when he found his wife loved Another—yet even with his ugly face distorted by a blubber he was not ridiculous. But let me not, as I say, embitter! Let me rather pray for a rift in the clouds—for a sovereign in the chair-lining. (Not that I ever found one!) If you can only get up to town in some cheap way the play needn’t cost you a penny. I̸ My last 20/ is at your service—and I have a spare room. Anything for Art, surely. Let me know if the prospect brightens. I havent a glimmer of Mrs. S. Clarke’s [5] country address. I only know 5 Lennox Gardens. S.W. Delighted you liked the Maupassant [6]. He is, with others, to be in a little vol. of essays [7] I am soon bringing bringing out & which I will send you. Ever disconsolately yours Henry James

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Notes:

[1] Colonel Enderby’s Wife in 1885.
[2] Gabrielle • On 16 March 1888, Émile Augier’s Gabrielle, with Benoît-Constant Coquelin as Julien, was performed at the Royalty Theatre in London.
[3] Charles Kingsley • Clergyman and novelist Charles Kinglsey (1819–75).
[4] Clifford Harrison • Harrison (1857–1904) was an actor and professional reciter whose brother, rector William Harrison (1840–97), was Mary St. Leger Kingsley Harrison’s husband.
[5] Mrs. S. Clarke’s • Mrs. Stanley Clarke, Mary Temple Rose Clarke (d. 1913).
[6] Maupassant • HJ’s “Guy de Maupassant.”
[7] little vol. of essays • Partial Portraits.