Henry James

Date of Birth: April 15, 1843

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 28, 1916

Biography

Henry James was an American-British author known for his significant contributions to 19th-century literary realism. Born into a wealthy and intellectual family, James traveled extensively throughout his life, which profoundly influenced his writing. He is best known for his novels exploring themes of consciousness, perception, and morality, often delving into the inner lives of his characters. His notable works include “The Portrait of a Lady,” “The Turn of the Screw,” and “The Wings of the Dove.” James was also a prolific writer of short stories, plays, and critical essays. He spent a significant portion of his life in Europe, particularly England, where he eventually became a British citizen in 1915, shortly before his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry James

1. Henry James was the brother of the famous philosopher and psychologist William James.

2. He became a British citizen in 1915 as a protest against the United States’ initial refusal to enter World War I.

3. James never married and was known for having close relationships with several prominent literary women of his time, including Edith Wharton.

4. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature three times but never won.

5. Henry James was awarded the Order of Merit by King George V in 1916, shortly before his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry James

1. “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

2. “We work in the dark—we do what we can—we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.”

3. “The only reason for the existence of a novel is that it does attempt to represent life.”

4. “It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance, for our consideration and application of these things, and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.”

5. “Life is, in fact, a battle. Evil is insolent and strong; beauty enchanting but rare; goodness very apt to be weak; folly very apt to be defiant; wickedness to carry the day; imbeciles to be in great places, people of sense in small, and mankind generally unhappy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry James’ highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was financially comfortable due to his family’s wealth and his successful literary career.