author
Theodora Bosanquet
1881–1961
Best known as Henry James’s trusted amanuensis, this sharp-eyed editor and critic also built an impressive career of her own in publishing and literary journalism. Her memoir of working with James offers a rare, vivid glimpse of a major writer at work.
1 Audiobook
Henry James at Work
by Theodora Bosanquet
About the author
Born on the Isle of Wight in 1880, Theodora Bosanquet became a writer, reviewer, editor, and secretary whose career moved through several corners of British literary life. She is most often remembered for serving as Henry James’s amanuensis, taking dictation for him during the later years of his career.
After that period, she continued to build her own professional reputation. She worked as Executive Secretary of the International Federation of University Women and later became a contributor to Time and Tide, where she went on to serve as literary editor and a director. Her writing and editorial work made her an important behind-the-scenes figure in early twentieth-century literary culture.
Bosanquet is also remembered for Henry James at Work, her memoir of her years with James. It remains valuable not only as a portrait of the novelist, but also as a record of the discipline, pressure, and intimacy involved in literary collaboration.