The Wings of the Dove Introduction

by Henry James

Written by acclaimed author, Henry James in 1902, The Wings of the Dove tells the story of Milly Theale, an American heiress stricken with a serious disease, and her impact on the people around her. Some of these people befriend Milly with honorable motives, while others are more self-interested.

Henry James is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism. The Wings of the Dove has achieved one of the strongest critical positions of any of James’ works.