Henry James

Kate Campbell (University of East Anglia)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Henry James was born off Broadway, in Washington Place, New York, 1843, the second of five children. Henry's father, Henry James Sr. (q.v.), contrary to the Protestant work ethic that had brought him inherited wealth, preached a life of being rather than doing. He was reliant on his wife Mary who appeared both strong and selfless. His main activity was propounding his philosophical and social ideas for the spiritual and social improvement of mankind in numerous lectures, essays, writing in the press and informal advocacy; and travelling, often at short notice.

So the James children grew up on the move, on both sides of the Atlantic. Henry Jr. crossed it as a baby, for a stay of nearly two years, and then again at twelve, returning to America in 1858. The long stays in France, England,

4149 words

Citation: Campbell, Kate. "Henry James". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 25 June 2002 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5083, accessed 19 March 2024.]

5083 Henry James 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

If you need to create a new bookshelf to save this article in, please make sure that you are logged in, then go to your 'Account' here

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.