House of Wits: An Intimate Portrait of the James Family

by Paul Fisher

Book Overview

An American odyssey that reveals the fascinating complexities of one of history's most brilliant, eccentric, and daring families 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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805074902
• ISBN13: 9780805074901
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 693 Pages
• Weight: 2.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.2" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A terrific biography

this is one of the best biographies ever. The story of 8 members of the James family, plus vignettes of friends and of the national life of the country during their lives. This should win one of the major prizes for biography.

Enthralling and groundbreaking

I've been reading books by and about the various Jameses for years and this is one of the absolute best for its range, wit, compassion, and modernity. The author isn't afraid to look openly at the dark side of this remarkable family, but he also doesn't overdraw conclusions. What I like best is that Fisher gives you a profound sense of the fault lines in the James clan, the allegiances, the jealousies, the ways in which they depended on one another and undermined each other. And the family exists in each historic period it passes through, so that the impact of technological and cultural shifts is always present. His grasp of the material is flawless, his insight sharp, and his writing is so good I read some passages aloud. This book marks a new era in James studies, but you don't have to know anything about the clan to be riveted by this complex story of wealth, ambition, despair, defeat, genius.

A Fascinating and Intimate Journey!

I love this biography. I grew up in the Albany-Saratoga area, lived in New York for many years and now live in Boston. Paul Fisher brings these places alive through his beautiful writing of this complex, troubled yet lovable family. It's a great book.

Great Book!

This is not the type of book I would normally read but I absolutely loved it! I am not a scholar and I knew nothing about the James family but it was a real page-turner. What I loved most about it was the family dysfunction, scandal and complicated relationships. I thought that people just spent their time painting china and doing needlepoint during this era and I was shocked and delighted to learn that this family struggled with many issues and challenges that we struggle with today! The book was funny, moving, informative and I learned a lot about the period. Looking at this family through a contemporary lens was really fascinating. It is a great book and a lot of fun to read.

I loved this book

I loved this book. It is a great read. I could not stop turning the pages. Fisher is an amazing storyteller. I am impressed by his ability to capture scenes and characters.Not only did I learn about the James family, I also learned about this period in American history. Fisher weaves incredible details into his narrative. This book is a delight.