French Poets and Novelists

by Henry James

French Poets and Novelists is a literary criticism book written by Henry James. The book is a collection of essays that provides an in-depth analysis of the works of some of the most prominent French poets and novelists of the 19th century, including Honor����� de Balzac, Gustave Flaubert, and �����mile Zola.James' essays are written in a highly analytical and insightful style, delving into the themes, characters, and techniques used by each writer. He also examines the cultural and historical context in which the writers lived and worked, providing a deeper understanding of their works.The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on poets such as Charles Baudelaire and Paul Verlaine, and the second part focusing on novelists such as Balzac and Flaubert. James' analysis is both scholarly and accessible, making it a valuable resource for students of literature as well as general readers interested in French literature.French Poets and Novelists is considered one of Henry James' most important works of literary criticism, and it remains a classic in the field to this day.1883. American-born writer, gifted with talents in literature, psychology, and philosophy. James wrote 20 novels, 112 stories, 12 plays and works of literary criticism. Among James's most famous literary works are The Europeans, his commercial success Daisy Miller, the critically acclaimed Washington Square, The Bostonians, and The Turn of the Screw. A collection of James's essays Alfred de Musset; Theophile Gautier; Charles Baudelaire; Honore de Balzac; Balzac's Letters; George Sand; Charles de Bernard and Gustave Flaubert; Ivan Turgenieff; The Two Amperes; Madame de Sabran; Merimee's Letters; and The Theatre Francais. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1883

About the author

Henry James was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.
He is best known for his novels dealing with the social and marital interplay between émigré Americans, the English, and continental Europeans, such as The Portrait of a Lady. His later works, such as The Ambassadors, The Wings of the Dove and The Golden Bowl were increasingly experimental. In describing the internal states of mind and social dynamics of his characters, James often wrote in a style in which ambiguous or contradictory motives and impressions were overlaid or juxtaposed in the discussion of a character's psyche. For their unique ambiguity, as well as for other aspects of their composition, his late works have been compared to Impressionist painting.
His novella The Turn of the Screw has garnered a reputation as the most analysed and ambiguous ghost story in the English language and remains his most widely adapted work in other media. He wrote other highly regarded ghost stories, such as "The Jolly Corner".
James published articles and books of criticism, travel, biography, autobiography, and plays. Born in the United States, James largely relocated to Europe as a young man, and eventually settled in England, becoming a British citizen in 1915, a year before his death. James was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911, 1912, and 1916. Jorge Luis Borges said "I have visited some literatures of East and West; I have compiled an encyclopedic compendium of fantastic literature; I have translated Kafka, Melville, and Bloy; I know of no stranger work than that of Henry James."

Reviews

[Eric Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

"[Baudelaire stared] very hard at a mass of things from which, more intelligently, we avert our heads."

The funniest thing in here is the essay on Baudelaire. It's a trainwreck of totally contrasting sensibilities.

[Tom Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, not only was James a grand novelist, but also a sharp and discerning critic. In the midst of his time, with no history to support him, he picked out the great and soon-to-be-honored poets and novelists and gave them wonderful brush strokes. His analysis of Baudelaire, George Sand and Musset (even his affair with Sand!) are eye openers! I enjoyed his style and his insight!