Henry James (1843-1916), was an American novelist and critic, a leader in what is known as the realistic school of fiction. He is the son of Henry James, the theologian and philosopher. The younger man received the greater part of his education In Europe, although he studied law at Harvard. Since 1869 James has lived for the most part in England and Italy. Partly on this account, and partly because he is given to showing up the faults of his countrymen, he has been accused of lack of patriotism. He is sometimes called our "international novelist." His characters are often Americans in Europe. He began his work as a writer with contributions to the American magazines. Daisy Miller, published in 1878, brought him into prominent notice. Other novels are
Watch and Ward,
The Bostonians,
The Americans,
The Portrait of a Lady,
The Tragic Muse,
What Maisie Knew, and
The Europeans. Henry James has written many short stories which have been collected and published in book form. James is a keen analyst of character and motive. His work is finished and complete to the minutest detail. Although he has produced more than fifty books, he is never careless; his style gives no hint of haste. James'
French Poets and Novelists and a
Life of Hawthorne show that he is possessed of skill as a critic. James' thrusts are keen. He is a writer for the few.
