Henry James, an American-born author, is considered one of the foremost novelists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1843 in New York City, he was part of a prominent family that valued intellectual pursuits. James spent much of his life in Europe, particularly in England, which significantly influenced his writing. His works are renowned for their psychological depth, sophisticated prose, and exploration of complex themes such as consciousness, morality, and the contrasts between American and European cultures.
James' literary career spanned several decades, during which he produced a vast body of work, including novels, short stories, and plays. Some of his most famous works include The Portrait of a Lady, The Turn of the Screw, and The Wings of the Dove. His writing often focused on the intricacies of human relationships and the nuances of societal expectations. James was also a master of the narrative technique known as "stream of consciousness," which would later influence many modernist writers.
Although not widely recognized during his lifetime, Henry James' influence grew significantly after his death in 1916, and he is now regarded as a key figure in American and British literature. His legacy endures in the realm of literary criticism and is celebrated for its intellectual rigor and exploration of human consciousness.
