The Beast in the Jungle is a 1903 book by Henry James, first published as part of the collection, The Better Sort. Almost universally considered one of James' finest short narratives, this story treats appropriately universal themes: loneliness, fate, love and death. The parable of John Marcher and his peculiar destiny has spoken to many readers who have speculated on the worth and meaning of human life. This edition has been formatted for your reader, with an active table of contents. The work has also been annotated, with additional information about the book and Henry James' life, including an overview, plot summary, major themes, critical evaluations, cultural references, and biographical information about the author.