The first stand-alone edition of this lesser-known novella from the master of the form is a wry comedy about the fine line between making art and freeloading. Henry James examines one of his favorite topics—the artist's place in society—by profiling a "genius" who just can't seem to support himself. A dazzling intellectual and brilliant speaker, Mr. Saltram has become the most sought—after houseguest in England. As the society ladies compete to see who can host him more lavishly, Saltram warms to the many comforts of English country house living. And, as his intellectual labors slacken, it becomes harder and harder to get him to leave.

Henry James, OM (15 April 1843–28 February 1916) was an American-British writer who spent most of his writing career in Britain. He is regarded as one of the key figures of 19th-century literary realism.