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, return

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First published 25 June 2002

Citation: Campbell, Kate. "Henry James". The Literary Encyclopedia. 25 June 2002.
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5083, accessed 20 November 2009.]