The Letters of William James, Vol. 1

"The Letters of William James, Vol. 1" by William James is a compilation of personal letters from the late 1800s and early 1900s, offering a peek into the mind of a major American scholar. Presented by James's son, Henry James, the letters explore his life, opinions on thinking, his principles, and his life events, which highlight both his personality and his intellectual evolution. The collection starts with an introduction from Henry James, explaining the purpose for choosing these specific letters. He points out that the letters showcase not only James’s lively writing style but also give insights into his background, family relationships, and the things that influenced his way of thinking. The early letters recount his initial years, his time studying at Harvard, and his connections with relatives and friends, depicting a young man dealing with the difficulties of schooling, health, and finding himself. The feeling of the letters is both lighthearted and thoughtful, exposing William James’s energetic character while preparing readers for a greater look into his philosophical ideas in later letters.