Henry James

Henry James OM (15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916) was an American-British author. He is 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. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.

Biography

James was born in New York City, where his father was a theologian and philosopher. He was educated at home and at various private schools, and he spent much of his childhood traveling between Europe and America. In 1862, he moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to attend Harvard University, but he left after two years to pursue a career as a writer.

James began his writing career in the 1860s, publishing short stories and essays in various magazines. His first novel, Watch and Ward, was published in 1878. He went on to publish many more novels, including The Portrait of a Lady (1881), The Bostonians (1886), The Ambassadors (1903), and The Golden Bowl (1904).

James was a prolific writer, and he also published a number of plays, novellas, and critical essays. He was a master of the novel form, and his works are known for their complex characters, their intricate plots, and their exploration of social, psychological, and moral themes.

In 1915, James became a British citizen. He died in Chelsea, London, in 1916, at the age of 72.

Legacy

James is considered one of the greatest novelists of all time. His works are still studied and admired today, and he has been a major influence on many other writers.

Style

James's writing is characterized by its elegance, its precision, and its psychological insight. He is a master of the long sentence, and his prose is often described as being "Jamesian."

Themes

James's work explores a wide range of themes, including:

• The nature of good and evil
• The individual vs. society
• The role of art and beauty
• The meaning of life

Characters

James's characters are complex and well-developed. They are often caught in difficult situations, and they must make difficult choices.

Impact

James's work has had a profound impact on Western literature. He is considered one of the founders of the modern novel, and his work has been a major influence on many other writers.

Some of James's most famous quotes include:

• "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
• "If you look for darkness, you will surely find it."
• "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
• "The only time to do great work is now. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
• "Everyone wants to change the world, but no one wants to change themselves."