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We work in the dark—we do what we can—we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.

‘The Middle Years’ (short story, 1893)

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Live all you can; it’s a mistake not to. It doesn’t so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life. If you haven’t had that, what have you had?

The Ambassadors (1903) bk. 5, ch. 11

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The author makes his readers, just as he makes his characters.
I know everything. One has to, to write decently.
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Henry James (1843-1916) was a prolific American writer, based in England, considered a central figure in the transition from realism to modernism in literature. Born into a prominent and intellectual family in New York, James spent much of his life in Europe, which became a recurring theme in his work, exploring the contrast between American and European society. His novels, such as 'The Portrait of a Lady' and 'The Ambassadors,' are known for their deep psychological analysis, intricate style, and focus on the nuances of social and moral life. He also wrote short stories, literary criticism, and plays, leaving a significant legacy in American and English fiction.