“Daisy Miller” by Henry James

If you want to know what made Henry James famous, start with this novella. It’s short, sharp, and unforgettable.

Daisy Miller is a young, charming American traveling through Europe with her family. She is bright, confident, and entirely unbothered by the rules of polite society. Winterbourne, a fellow American who has lived abroad for years, is fascinated by her and can’t decide what to make of her. As the story moves from a Swiss resort town to the drawing rooms of Rome, the gossips begin to talk, and Daisy’s independence puts her at odds with everyone around her.

First published in 1878, it is a witty, perceptive look at manners, reputation, and the clash between old and new worlds. It’s also easy to finish in a sitting or two.

This copy is a 1988 paperback that has never been read, and it’s in like-new condition. Whoever takes it home will be the first to open it. Find it at Dead Tree Dreams.