First published 1991
R. W. B. Lewis chronicles the remarkable James family across a century and a half of American history. This unconventional, affluent clan achieved social prominence while nurturing two of America's greatest intellectual figures: William James, who revolutionized philosophy and psychology, and Henry James, who transformed the American novel. Lewis examines how this peculiar family dynamic fostered such extraordinary talent. The book traces their story through multiple generations, revealing the incidents and relationships that became part of American cultural legend. Lewis shows how the family's wealth and social position intersected with their intellectual pursuits, creating a unique environment that shaped both brothers' careers. The narrative spans 150 years, capturing the family's evolution alongside major shifts in American society. Through detailed research and vivid storytelling, Lewis demonstrates how the James household became a crucible for American thought and literature, producing figures whose influence extended far beyond their privileged origins.
Genres: biography, family, 20th-century, american, 19th-century, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-saga, generational-saga
Setting: America
Period: 19th Century, 20th Century
660 pages · Hardcover · Publisher