THE QUESTION OF JAMES: Critical Essays

Another publication in the current wave of interest in Henry James -- and one that serves a purpose quite apart from its subject. For here -- as an object lesson in the study of American criticism -- for most of the inclusions are American -- is an anthology of critical essays, representing the best of our critical writers over a period beginning with William Dean Howells and Thomas Wentworth Higginson and coming up to the present with T.S. Eliot, Van Wyck Brooks, Edmund Wilson, some twenty five essays in all, the subject -- from varying angles -- Henry James. One could wish for the inclusion of some of the less laudatory criticisms of his contemporaries -- the evaluation indicated herein has too great a similarity in appreciation. But -- for manner- and selection -- and value as object lessons, this collection should be required reading for all students of critical writing, for all aspirants in the field.