Isabel Archer is a beautiful, intelligent and independent young woman. Brought to England by her aunt who seeks to further her education and find her niece a husband. Isabel inherits a fortune and feels inclined to turn down eligible suitors. However, a trip to Italy heralds her downfall when she meets the charming Gilbert Osmond.
In the hope of making a wealthy marriage, Eugenia, the Baroness M©ơnster, and her younger brother, the artist Felix, descend on the Wentworths, in Boston. Installed in a nearby house, they become close friends with the younger Wentworths, Gertrude, Charlotte and Clifford. Eugenia's wit, guile and sophistication, and Felix's debonair vivacity form an uneasy alliance with the Puritan morality and the frugal, domestic virtues of the Americans. A rich and delicately balanced commedy of manners, The Europeans weighs the values of the established order against thos of New England society, but makes no simple judgements, only subtle contrasts and beautifully observed comparisons.