'Henry James At Work' Summary

Theodora Bosanquet's essay, 'Henry James at Work', offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and working methods of one of the most celebrated novelists of the 19th century. Based on her firsthand experience as James's secretary from 1907 to 1916, Bosanquet provides a detailed account of James's writing process, his values, and his daily life. Bosanquet's essay is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on James's writing process. Bosanquet describes how James would often spend months developing his characters and plots, and how he would often revise his work extensively before it was published. Bosanquet also discusses James's use of language, and how he was constantly striving to find the perfect word or phrase to express his ideas. The second part of Bosanquet's essay focuses on James's values. Bosanquet describes how James was a man of great integrity and kindness, and how he was always willing to help others. Bosanquet also discusses James's love of art and beauty, and how he believed that art could make the world a better place. The third part of Bosanquet's essay focuses on James's daily life. Bosanquet describes how James was a very private person, and how he preferred to spend his time reading, writing, and socializing with a small circle of friends. Bosanquet also discusses James's relationship with his family and his struggles with health problems. 'Henry James at Work' is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in James's work or in the creative process of writing itself. Bosanquet's firsthand account of James's life and work provides a unique and fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest writers of the English language.