Henry James author page

Henry James biography

Henry James was an American-born writer who became a key figure in 19th and early 20th-century literature. He was born in New York City and later became a British subject. James is known for his novels, short stories, and critical essays, which often explore themes of consciousness, perception, and the encounters between the Old World and the New World.

James began publishing fiction in the 1860s, with early works appearing in magazines. His first novel, Watch and Ward, was published in 1871. He gained recognition for his psychological insight and complex characterisation, particularly in works such as Daisy Miller (1878), The Portrait of a Lady (1881), and The Turn of the Screw (1898). His writing style is noted for its intricate prose and exploration of the inner lives of his characters.

Throughout his career, James wrote extensively about the differences between European and American society, often focusing on Americans living abroad. His later works, including The Wings of the Dove (1902), The Ambassadors (1903), and The Golden Bowl (1904), are considered significant contributions to literary modernism.

In addition to his fiction, James produced literary criticism, travel writing, and plays. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1904. Henry James’s influence extends to both American and British literature, and his works continue to be studied and adapted.

One of his most widely read works, The Turn of the Screw, was published in 1898.