Initially embarking on the study of medicine, James soon turned to literature and published his first book, Life of the Black Prince, in 1822. He was a prolific writer who produced some 100 novels, mostly in the historical fiction genre. James was well-traveled in Europe and gained much knowledge about the history of those countries he visited, subsequently incorporating it in his novels. He was a friend of Walter Scott, who encouraged him to write. In 1850, James traveled to America and purchased an estate in Massachusetts. In 1852, he was appointed British Consul and moved to Norfolk, Virginia. In 1859, suffering from ill health, no doubt brought about by the climate in Virginia, James requested and received a transfer to Venice, Italy. Although the change seemed to have a positive effect on his health initially, he contracted a fever the following year which proved fatal. His works include Richelieu (1829), Darnley, or the Field of Gold (1830), The String of Pearls (1832), The King's Highway (1840), The Castle of Eherenstein (1847), The Last of the Fairies (1847), Agincourt (1849), The Raven (1854), Night in an Old Castle (1854), Bernard Marsh (1858) and Lord Montague's Page (1858). |
Chrysoma Associates Limited
