About
Henry James, born in New York in 1843, is a major writer of the transition between realism and modernism. Brother of philosopher William James, he settled in Europe in 1875 and became a British subject in 1915. His work explores the contrasts between American innocence and European sophistication, notably in his novels 'Daisy Miller', 'The Wings of the Dove', and 'The Ambassadors'. A pioneer of narrative point of view and interior monologue, he significantly influenced novelistic technique. He died in London in 1916.
Major works
- Daisy Miller (1878)novel
- Washington Square (1880)novel
- The Portrait of a Lady (1881)novel
- The Turn of the Screw (1898)novella
- The Ambassadors (1903)novel
Key milestones
- 1875Settles in Europe, first in Paris then in London.
- 1915Renounces American citizenship and becomes a British subject.
- 1916Awarded the Order of Merit by King George V.
Themes
Clash of culturesInnocence and experiencePsychological consciousnessArt and moralityExpatriation
Sources: britannica.com · en.wikisource.org · oxfordbibliographies.com