Henry James (1843-1916) was an America-born English writer whose novels, short stories and letters established the foundation of the modernist movement in twentieth century fiction and poetry. His career, one of the most significant and influential in English literature, spanned over five decades and resulted in a body of work that has had a profound impact on generations of writers. Born in New York, but educated in France, Germany, England and Switzerland, James often explored the cultural discord between the Old World (Europe) and the New World (United States) in his writings. From 1872 to 1909 James wrote an extensive collection of essays illustrating his travels throughout Italy, particularly his time in Venice and Rome. Since its publication in 1909, «Italian Hours» has delighted readers with its vivid descriptions and sentimental recollections of James' time in the country he loved dearly.
