Simon writes book on Henry James criticism

Professor of English Linda Simon has written The Critical Reception of Henry James: Creating a Master (Camden House, 2007).

Simon analyzes the body of criticism on James' work, from reviews published during his time through the present day. Though now considered one of the great writers of his era, James was the subject of considerable debate over the years. Simon explores the judgments of several respected critics who defended his work, including Leon Edel.

Simon's book discusses scholarship on James vis a vis sexuality, morality, and consciousness. "Clearly written and comprehensive," according to the publisher, The Critical Reception of Henry James "helps readers understand the paths that that criticism has taken and how scholars and critics have built upon past work."

Simon is editor-in-chief of William James Studies. Her books include Dark Light: Electricity and Anxiety from the Telegraph to the X-Ray (Harcourt, 2004) and Genuine Reality: A Life of William James (University of Chicago Press, 1998), a New York Times Notable Book of 1998.

More at the publisher's Web site.