It is exceedingly difficult if not impossible to be original about the writings of Henry James for any period or for any aspect of his artistry. During his lifetime, although he was never widely read, the foremost critics both in the United States and Britain reviewed everything he published. Even while many decried his mannered style, obtuse inferences, and lack of red-blooded action, all admitted his integrity and individuality, and they acknowledged his contributions as being significant.
