Alfred Habegger Book order

Set against the backdrop of Siam, the story follows a courageous British widow whose strong character leads to the abolition of slavery and oppressive rule. This legend emerged after the Civil War, centered on Anna Leonowens, who transitioned from her life in Bangkok to become a celebrated author and lecturer in America. Award-winning biographer Alfred Habegger delves into extensive archives across five continents to reveal the intricate truth of Leonowens' life, uncovering the complexities behind her iconic status and the myths that surround her narrative.

Focusing on Henry James's complex relationship with nineteenth-century feminism and women's literature, this critique reveals new documentation about his life and writings. It explores his father's unconventional views on free love and feminism, which significantly influenced James. Additionally, the book examines how James misrepresented his cousin Minnie Temple, whose assertive character inspired him, and highlights his contradictory stance towards American women writers, whose narratives he both criticized and drew from in his own works.

Offering a convincingly clear picture of what Emily Dickinson was really like, Habegger presents the definitive treatment of her life in the context of her times and the development of her poetry