The Middle Years & Other Tales
(Author) Henry James'Both the fictional and autobiographical versions of 'The Middle Years' are concerned with authors, acolytes, and endings rather than the middle of things. Or rather they are about, as are all the tales of James's middle years, the recognition of one's own extreme brevity' Frances Wilson, from her preface to The Middle Years & Other Tales The stories in this collection represent Henry James's middle years, a time in his life which he described as 'misanthropic, melancholy, morbid, morose', after the reception to his earlier works. The collection includes 'The Author of Beltraffio', which tells of the tragic consequences of family conflict; 'The Middle Years' which explores creative self-reflection and mortality; and 'The Altar of the Dead', a poetic elegy to lost places and friends. The stories have been selected not only for their subject but also for their size, the vast majority of them falling under 15 000 words. In other words, this collection's examination of the brevity of one's existence is echoed by the length of the stories themselves. Frances Wilson has selected these twelve stories and provided an original introduction to James's work.
Henry James
Henry James was an American novelist and critic known for his psychological realism and exploration of the complexities of human relationships. His most notable works include "The Portrait of a Lady," "The Turn of the Screw," and "The Wings of the Dove." James' writing style is characterized by intricate prose, detailed character development, and nuanced exploration of social conventions and moral dilemmas.
James is considered one of the most important figures in 19th-century American literature, often credited with shaping the modern novel through his innovative narrative techniques and deep psychological insight. His impact on the literary genre of the novel is profound, with many critics and writers citing him as a major influence on their work.
One of Henry James' most famous works is "The Turn of the Screw," a ghost story that explores the themes of innocence, corruption, and the supernatural. The novella is widely regarded as a masterpiece of psychological horror and has been adapted into various film and stage adaptations. Henry James' contributions to literature continue to be celebrated and studied for their profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of human experience.
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