OXFORD WORLD CLASSICS : WASHINGTON SQUARE NE PB B FORMAT

The inspiration of Jamess Washington Square (1881) was an anecdote told him by Fanny Kemble about a jilted heiress. The only child of a rich New York physician, shy, unattractive Catherine Sloper falls an easy victim to the attentions of a good-looking fortune-hunter. The clever domineering father whom she adores attempts to blight Catherines feelings for her suitor, only to succeed in blighting her affection for him. Meanwhile, her meddling aunt, intent on stirring the fires of romance, threatens to turn Catherines tragic experience into farce.