HENRY JAMES Ultimate Collection (ePub)

Henry James (1843-1916) was an eminent American-British author, renowned for his contributions to literary realism and psychological insight within his works. Born in New York City, he spent much of his life in Europe, especially in England, which greatly influenced the transatlantic themes and social contexts of his narratives. His writing career extended over five decades, producing a vast array of novels, short stories, and criticism. James's prose is noted for its narrative sophistication and intricate portrayal of consciousness, often through an internal focalization that would come to influence modernist literature. Among his most celebrated novels are 'The Portrait of a Lady' (1881), 'The Wings of the Dove' (1902), and 'The Golden Bowl' (1904), which depict the complexities of personal relationships and ethical dilemmas. 'The Turn of the Screw' (1898), arguably his most famous novella, is a cornerstone of American Gothic literature and has been analyzed for its haunting ambiguity and psychological depth. As a critic, James contributed to the discourse on narrative form and technique, and his prefaces to the New York Edition of his works encapsulate his theoretical insights. His legacy is reflected in the term 'Jamesian', which denotes the distinctive aesthetic of his character-driven, perceptually intricate fiction. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1916 and, though he did not receive a Nobel Prize during his lifetime, his influence endures in both American and British literary traditions.