Henry James, an American-British author, is celebrated as a pivotal figure bridging literary realism and modernism. His literary genius is acknowledged globally, with a reputation as one of the English language's finest novelists. Born to Henry James Sr., and brother to philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James, his works delve into the intricate social and marital dynamics between émigré Americans, the English, and Europeans. His masterpieces, such as The Portrait of a Lady, The Ambassadors, The Wings of the Dove, and The Golden Bowl, showcase experimental narratives that explore characters' psyches with unique ambiguity, drawing comparisons to Impressionist painting.

James's novella, The Turn of the Screw, stands as the English language's most analyzed ghost story, showcasing his prowess in the genre with other esteemed tales like "The Jolly Corner". Beyond fiction, James's contributions span criticism, travel writing, biography, autobiography, and playwriting. His decision to settle in England, becoming a British citizen in 1915, reflected his protest against the United States' neutrality in World War I. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times, James's legacy is unparalleled, with Jorge Luis Borges recognizing him for his unique literary strangeness.