The Author of Beltraffio

The Author of Beltraffio is a short story by Henry James, first published in 1884. It follows a young American admirer who visits the reclusive English author Mark Ambient, known for his novel Beltraffio. The narrative explores the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the tension between Ambient and his wife Beatrice, who disapproves of his literary work, believing it to negatively influence their sickly son, Dolcino. The story delves into themes of artistic genius and the conflicts between personal and professional lives.