“”The Altar of the Dead” is a short story by Henry James, first published in his collection Terminations in 1895. A fable of literally life and death significance, the story explores how the protagonist tries to keep the remembrance of his dead friends, to save them from being forgotten entirely in the rush of everyday events. He meets a woman who shares his ideals, only to find that the past places what seems to be an impassable barrier between them. Although James was not religious in any conventional sense, the story shows a deep spirituality in its treatment of mortality and the transcendent power of unselfish love.”
and under Critical evaluation:
“Critics have generally rated this tale very high among James’ works, with some calling it a “glorious fable,” “magnificently written,” and “one of his finest.””
That cover shows the thoughtfulness of a rotten potato head.
From Wikipedia article lede:
“”The Altar of the Dead” is a short story by Henry James, first published in his collection Terminations in 1895. A fable of literally life and death significance, the story explores how the protagonist tries to keep the remembrance of his dead friends, to save them from being forgotten entirely in the rush of everyday events. He meets a woman who shares his ideals, only to find that the past places what seems to be an impassable barrier between them. Although James was not religious in any conventional sense, the story shows a deep spirituality in its treatment of mortality and the transcendent power of unselfish love.”
and under Critical evaluation:
“Critics have generally rated this tale very high among James’ works, with some calling it a “glorious fable,” “magnificently written,” and “one of his finest.””
That cover shows the thoughtfulness of a rotten potato head.