Henry James

Henry James OM (18431916) was an Anglo-American novelist. He was one of the most important literary people of the late 19th century.

Background

James was the son of Henry James Senior, a clergyman, and the brother of William James, the psychologist and philosopher. He grew up mostly in the United States but spent the majority of his life in England. He became a British citizen in 1915. His sister, Alice James, was also a writer.

Novels

In his novels, he wrote from the viewpoint of one of the characters. Some literary critics compared this to impressionist painting. In his own literary criticism, James insisted that writers be allowed the greatest possible freedom in how they looked at the world. He thought a text should be realistic, and its account of life be recognisable to its readers. Good novels, to James, show life in action and are interesting.

Other books

He published fictional books, articles and books of travel, biography, autobiography, and criticism, and wrote plays, some of which were performed during his lifetime. His plays probably influenced his later novels and tales.

Category:1843 births
Category:1916 deaths
Category:Order of Merit
Category:British novelists
Category:American novelists
Category:Writers from New York City
Category:Naturalised citizens of the United Kingdom