The American

Henry James' novel ''The American'' was first released as a serial in The Atlantic Monthly in 1876–1877 before being published as a book in 1877. The narrative follows the exploits of Christopher Newman, a generally kind-hearted but extremely gauche American businessman who is visiting Europe for the first time. It is an uncomfortable mixture of social humor and melodrama. Christopher Newman is an American businessman on a Grand Tour of Europe in 1868. He meets Claire de Cintre, a young widow, at the Louvre and becomes friends with her brother Valentin. Newman proposes to Claire, and she says she will consider it. Claire Belgrade's father indirectly murdered the old Marquis, Claire's father, by throwing out his medicine during his illness and keeping doctors away from him until he died. Claire's mother informs Newman he is unfit because of his "business" background. Newman is not looking for the simple, brutal facts of American industry in the 19th century. He experiences both the splendor and the ugliness of Europe and learns to appreciate neither for what it is. The central conflict of the book is Newman's wooing of a young widow from an affluent Parisian family.