Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Supporting your high street Find out how »
The Birthplace, Paperback / softback Book

The Birthplace Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Out of stock

Description

The Birthplace is a short story by Henry James that was first released in 1903 in his anthology.

The tale shows James's doubts regarding Shakespeare's authorship and is a sharp satire on the excesses of bardolatry.

The story also depicts a characteristically imaginative Jamesian protagonist creating another reality in his presentation on Bard's purported childhood activities, which goes beyond the specific scholarly topic.

Morris Gedge receives a favorable offer to take on the role of custodian of Stratford-on-Shakespeare Avon's residence.

James twice used Shakespeare's name in his notebooks as he was drafting the novel, so even though his name is not mentioned in the story, to Whom "the highest Mecca of the English-speaking people" is dedicated is obvious.

After being appointed the custodian, Morris starts to question the explanations he is made to provide to visitors.

He begins to qualify and fumble through his speech. His wife is distressed by this, and the owners of the temple issue a warning.

He gives a funny lecture about how Shakespeare the child played around the house in the story's concluding scene.

Of course, tourist revenue grows and Gedge gets paid more.

Information

Other Formats

£7.99

Out of stock
Add to Basket
Sign in to add to wishlist
 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information