The Letters of Henry James (Vol. I)

"The Letters of Henry James (Vol. I)" by Henry James is a compilation of personal letters offering a window into the author's world during the late 1800s and early 1900s. These letters, penned to loved ones, close friends, and leading minds of the era, invite readers to observe the life of a great American author. The collection highlights James's complicated affections for Europe, his projects within the arts, and how he thought about life and art itself. Beginning with James's first arrival in Europe in 1869, the book reveals his first-hand experiences in London, where he felt both amazed and alone in the big city. His letters depict encounters with well-known writers like Ruskin and W. D. Howells, sharing his social life and how he saw the world through art. As the book progresses, we see James change into an American living abroad and an author in the making, caught up in Europe's vibrant culture while trying to find where he truly belongs.