The Aspern Papers

'The Aspern Papers' is a novella written by Henry James, first published in 1888. The story is set in Venice and revolves around the character of an unnamed American editor who travels to Europe to obtain the letters of the deceased Romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern. The editor's primary goal is to secure the letters from Juliana Bordereau, a reclusive and elderly woman who was once romantically involved with Aspern. The novella explores themes of literary legacy, obsession, and the ethical boundaries people may cross in their pursuit of art and knowledge. It delves into the complexities of the relationship between biographers and their subjects, as well as the consequences of prying into the private lives of others.