One of E.M. Forster's most cherished and critically-acclaimed works, "Howards End" is an examination of social mores, class strife and personal relationships in turn-of-the-century England.
The story revolves around three disparate families: the idealistic Schlegels (consisting of Margaret, Helen and brother Tibby), the wealthy Wilcox family (parents Henry and Ruth and their children) and the impoverished Basts (Leonard and his wife Jacky).
When the Wilcox family moves to London and discover they are living close to their new acquaintances the Schlegels, a friendship is kindled between the infirm Ruth Wilcox and Margaret Schlegel. Ruth - who has a strong attachment to her country house called Howards End - pens a note leaving the house to Margaret, but Henry and his children both conceal and burn the note to prevent its discovery.
What follows is a series of events that threaten to destroy all three of the families: broken engagements, infidelities and even a secret pregnancy, all leading to a shocking death and prison sentence for one of the protagonists.
A classic of early 20th century literature, "Howards End" has been adapted numerous times for the stage and screen, most notably for the 1992 Oscar-winning Merchant Ivory film starring Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format.
