Book Review: House of Wits -
An Intimate Portrait of the James Family
House of Wits – An Intimate Portrait of the James Family
by Paul Fisher
2008, 693 pages
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This recent book is a family biography of the Jameses. While biographies of Henry James tend to mention the other members of the family in passing – especially brother William and sister Alice – this book looks at the family as a unit. Dealing with all the children, not leaving out the less-famous brothers Wilkinson and Bob, and giving Alice and the parents their fair share, Fisher draws an interesting portrait of one of America’s most famous intellectual families. Fisher looks closely at Henry James Sr., his past, and his alcoholism, and how his strong personality affected the different children. He relates the family’s many peregrinations across Europe, in different areas of the US, and its complex relations. And he tries to uncover the “dark side” of the family. As Fisher’s web site describes the book:
The James family, one of America’s most memorable dynasties, gave the world three famous children: a novelist of genius (Henry), an influential philosopher (William), and an invalid (Alice) who became a feminist icon, despite her sheltered life and struggles with mental illness. Although much has been written on them, many truths about the Jameses have long been camouflaged. The conflicts that defined one of American’s greatest families — homosexuality, depression, alcoholism, female oppression — can only now be thoroughly investigated and discussed with candor and understanding.
I’m a bit leery about anyone who tries to analyze someone from the past with such a prioris, and Fisher does speculate a bit much regarding these problematic elements. But this book is an entertaining read, and it focuses enough on Henry that you could read it to get an understanding of his life, even if you don’t want to read a biography dedicated solely to him. In fact, reading this book helps you better understand the curious relations that Henry had with his siblings, especially William.
I’d say this is an essential book for those interested in the life of Henry James, or of his brother William. Well-written and thorough, this book is a valuable addition to Henry James scholarship, and is fully accessible to all those who are simply curious about Henry’s life.
Thank you for posting and reviewing this book, I doubt that I would have known of it otherwise. My only knowledge of Henry James’ family has been gained through reading “The Master.” I hesitate to admit that sad fact, but I hope to remedy my ignorance thru reading this book, as well as the one-volume Edel biography. (Actually, your comments about “Felony” have made it sound like a book worth looking for!)
The one-volume Edel seems out of print; you’ll have to get a used copy.
I’ll be posting reviews of books about Henry regularly, when I have time.