Henry James’s Roderick Hudson is a rich and introspective novel that explores the fine line between genius and self-destruction, set against the lush backdrop of 19th-century Europe. First published in 1875, it is one of James’s earliest full-length works and marks the beginning of his enduring fascination with the contrast between American idealism and European sophistication. The novel follows the journey of Roderick Hudson, a talented but impulsive American sculptor who is discovered and financially supported by the intellectual and idealistic Rowland Mallet. Together, they travel from Massachusetts to Rome, where Roderick is thrust into the passionate and competitive world of art. As his career and personal relationships evolve, Roderick is torn between inspiration and recklessness, desire and duty. Through Roderick’s rise and fall, James masterfully examines ambition, aesthetic beauty, inner turmoil, and the burdens of creative genius. The novel also subtly critiques class, culture, and personal responsibility, delivering a layered and emotionally resonant story that resonates with artists, dreamers, and thinkers alike. Audiobook time & format : 13h55m00s, WAV, 2.23 Go Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV Instant Access After Checkout - Professionally Generated Audio