The Letters of Henry James by Virginia Woolf

Name: The Letters of Henry James
Author: Virginia Woolf

The Letters of Henry James is a collection of letters written by the renowned American author Henry James (1843-1916). The letters span the years 1855 to 1915, and provide a unique insight into the life and work of one of the most influential writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The letters cover a wide range of topics, from James’s personal life and relationships to his literary career and his views on the world. They reveal his thoughts on the changing literary landscape of the time, his struggles with writing, and his relationships with other writers and artists. The letters also provide a glimpse into the private life of the author, including his thoughts on family, friends, and his travels. The Letters of Henry James is edited by Virginia Woolf, who provides an introduction to the collection and a biographical sketch of the author. The letters are arranged chronologically, and the collection includes a comprehensive index. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the life and work of Henry James.

By Virginia Woolf · First published 1920 · Genre: Biography, Letters, Literary Criticism · 3,816 words

First lines

Who, on stepping from the cathedral dusk, the growl and boom of the organ still in the ears, and the eyes still shaded to observe better whatever intricacy of carving or richness of marble may there be concealed, can breast the stir of the street and instantly and briskly sum up and deliver his impressions? How discriminate, how formulate? How, Henry James may be heard grimly asking, dare you pronounce any opinion whatever upon me? In the first place only by taking cover under some such figure as implies that, still dazed and well-nigh drowned, our gesture at the finish is more one of exclamation than of interpretation. To soothe and to inspirit there comes, a moment later, the consciousness that, although in the eyes of Henry James our attempt is foredoomed to failure, nevertheless his blessing is upon it. Renewal of life, on such terms as we can grant it, upon lips, in minds, here in London, here among English men and women, would receive from him the most generous acknowledgment; and with a royal complacency, he would admit that our activities could hardly be better employed. Nor are we left to grope without a guide. It would not be easy to find a difficult task better fulfilled than by Mr.

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The Letters of Henry James is listed on Textopian as an essay by Virginia Woolf, dated 1920 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Virginia Woolf
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Biography, Letters, Literary Criticism, History
Length: 3,816 words
Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Biography — The Letters of Henry James is a collection of letters written by the famous author Henry James, and edited by Virginia Woolf. As such, it is a biography of Henry James, providing insight into his life and work.
Letters — The Letters of Henry James is a collection of letters written by the famous author Henry James, and edited by Virginia Woolf. As such, it is a book of letters, providing insight into the thoughts and feelings of Henry James.
Literary Criticism — The Letters of Henry James is edited by Virginia Woolf, who provides commentary and analysis of the letters. As such, it is a book of literary criticism, providing insight into the works of Henry James.
History — The Letters of Henry James provides insight into the life and times of Henry James, and as such, it is a book of history, providing insight into the culture and society of the time.