1 1

The Aspern Papers

The Aspern Papers

Rs. 99.00
Rs. 299.00 Rs. 99.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
CONDITION
The Aspern Papers is a novella by American writer Henry James, originally published in The Atlantic Monthly in 1888, with its first book publication later in the same year.

In this classic novella, an anonymous narrator relates his obsessive quest to acquire some letters and other private documents that once belonged to the deceased Romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern. Attempting to gain access to the papers, the property of Aspern's former mistress, he rents a room in a decaying Venetian villa where the woman lives with her aging niece. Led by his zeal into increasingly unscrupulous behavior, the narrator is faced in the end with relinquishing his heart's desire or attaining it an an overwhelming price.
Inspired by an actual incident involving Claire Clairmont, once the mistress of Lord Byron, this masterfully written tale incorporates all those elements expected from James: psychological subtlety, deft plotting, the clash of cultures, and profoundly nuanced representation of scene, mood, and character.

Excerpt:
...I had taken Mrs. Prest into my confidence; in truth without her I should have made but little advance, for the fruitful idea in the whole business dropped from her friendly lips. It was she who invented the short cut, who severed the Gordian knot. It is not supposed to be the nature of women to rise as a general thing to the largest and most liberal view—I mean of a practical scheme; but it has struck me that they sometimes throw off a bold conception—such as a man would not have risen to—with singular serenity. “Simply ask them to take you in on the footing of a lodger”—I don’t think that unaided I should have risen to that. I was beating about the bush, trying to be ingenious, wondering by what combination of arts I might become an acquaintance, when she offered this happy suggestion that the way to become an acquaintance was first to become an inmate. Her actual knowledge of the Misses Bordereau was scarcely larger than mine, and indeed I had brought with me from England some definite facts which were new to her. Their name had been mixed up ages before with one of the greatest names of the century, and they lived now in Venice in obscurity, on very small means, unvisited, unapproachable, in a dilapidated old palace on an out-of-the-way this was the substance of my friend's impression of them. She herself had been established in Venice for fifteen years and had done a great deal of good there; but the circle of her benevolence did not include the two shy, mysterious and, as it was somehow supposed, scarcely respectable Americans (they were believed to have lost in their long exile all national quality, besides having had, as their name implied, some French strain in their origin), who asked no favors and desired no attention....

Product features

✅ 100% Original Books

Every book is authentic and sourced responsibly—no pirated or photocopied material.

🔍 32-Point Quality Check

Each book undergoes a detailed inspection for pages, cover, binding, and readability.

📚 Wide Range of Genres

From fiction and self-help to academic and non-fiction—something for every reader.

💸 Budget-Friendly Prices

Get great books at unbeatable prices—perfect for students, readers, and collectors.

✨ Pre-Loved, Not Worn Out

Books are gently used, clean, and in good readable condition.

🌱 Eco-Friendly Choice

Buying used books helps reduce waste and promotes sustainable reading.

🚚 Pan-India Shipping

Fast, reliable delivery to every corner of India, with tracking and support.

💬 Customer Support

Responsive customer service to help with any order or book-related query.

Materials and care

📚 Materials

– Gently used, original print books.
– No photocopies or pirated prints—100% original.
– Checked for legibility and intact spines.
– Some books may contain light pencil notes or highlights.

🧼 Care Instructions

– Keep books away from moisture and direct sunlight.
– Use a bookmark to maintain page quality.
– Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from covers.
– Preserve the pages and cover from smudges or stains.
– Prevent warping by storing books upright on shelves.

Merchandising tips

🛍️ Tips for Buying Used Books on BestofUsedBooks.com

✅ Check the Book Condition

Look for labels like “Like New,” “Good,” or “Readable” to know exactly what to expect before buying.

📚 Explore Curated Collections

Browse through themed bundles like “Top Self-Help Reads” or “Fiction Under ₹299”—perfect for discovering hidden gems.

💡 Read Descriptions Carefully

Each product page lists key details like page quality, binding condition, and possible markings—take a quick moment to review.

🎁 Buy More, Save More

Take advantage of bundle deals and discounted packs to build your library while saving big.

🌱 Choose Sustainability

Buying pre-loved books is a smart, eco-friendly choice—reduce waste and support circular reading!

🔍 Use Search & Filters

Use filters by genre, author, or condition to find exactly what you're looking for, faster.

📦 Track Your Order


Once placed, every order comes with trackable shipping—so you always know where your next read is!

  • 32 Points Quality Check
  • 100% Original Products
  • 1.2 Million + Happy Customers
View full details
Variant Variant total Quantity Price Variant total
Used2VFXE3BWH-Used
Used2VFXE3BWH-Used
Rs. 299.00
Rs. 99.00/ea
 Rs. 0.00
Sold out
Rs. 299.00
Rs. 99.00/ea
 Rs. 0.00

Other Best Sellers

1 8
View all