Henry James was an American-British author, born on April 15, 1843, in New York City, and he passed away on February 28, 1916, in Chelsea, London, at the age of 72. He is considered a key transitional figure between literary realism and modernism, contributing significantly to the development of modern English literature. His works often explore themes of consciousness, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. James was influenced by prominent authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Edgar Allan Poe, which helped shape his unique narrative style. He had a diverse and intellectual family background; his brother, William James, was a famous philosopher and psychologist, while his siblings Alice, Garth, and Robertson also made notable contributions in various fields. James was educated at Harvard University and briefly attended Harvard Law School, but he ultimately pursued a career in writing. His deep exploration of psychological complexity and narrative innovation has earned him widespread recognition as one of the greatest novelists in the English language.
