Henry James

Henry James Sr. and Henry James Jr. in 1854

Henry James at age16

Portrait of Henry James 1913

Lamb House, Rye

HenryJames1897

Henry James (April 15, 1843 – February 28, 1916) was an American-British author regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James Sr., a noted intellectual and philosopher, and the brother of William James, a prominent psychologist and philosopher.

Early Life

Henry James was born in New York City to a wealthy family. His education was varied and cosmopolitan, largely in Europe, where the family lived in London, Paris, Geneva, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, providing him with exposure to the great cultural capitals of the world. This early exposure to European culture would deeply influence his writing and thinking.

Career

James began his writing career with reviews and articles in American journals. His first novel, Watch and Ward (1871), was published serially in The Atlantic Monthly. James's early works were associated with literary realism, focusing on the moral and psychological development of characters in complex social settings. Notable works from this period include The American (1877), Daisy Miller (1878), and The Portrait of a Lady (1881).

As his career progressed, James's style evolved, becoming more complex and psychological, often exploring the consciousness of his characters through an interior monologue. This shift is evident in his later works, such as The Wings of the Dove (1902), The Ambassadors (1903), and The Golden Bowl (1904). These novels are considered his masterpieces, showcasing his skill in character development, narrative technique, and psychological depth.

James's contribution to literature also includes his critical essays and works of literary theory, such as The Art of Fiction (1884), in which he argued for the freedom of the novelist and the importance of psychological depth and character over plot.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1915, James became a British citizen, a move influenced by his disillusionment with the United States, particularly its failure to enter World War I. He died in London in 1916.

James's legacy is profound. He influenced a great number of writers, including Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and James Joyce. His exploration of consciousness and perception laid the groundwork for modernist literature. James is also noted for his contributions to literary criticism and theory, and his works continue to be studied for their technique, depth, and insight into the human condition.

Major Works

• The Portrait of a Lady (1881)
• The Bostonians (1886)
• The Turn of the Screw (1898)
• The Wings of the Dove (1902)
• The Ambassadors (1903)
• The Golden Bowl (1904)

See Also

• Literary realism
• Literary modernism
• William James
• Literary criticism