Executing Psychobiography

Abstract This chapter describes the main themes of the book in relation to a short study by the author of the relationship between two brothers: psychologist and philosopher William James and novelist Henry James. It presents a short psychobiographical essay on the two brothers and interweaves comments about executing psychobiography. The essay explores the intimate, troubled, loving, conflicted connection between William and Henry. The focus is on three episodes in their lives. Henry attempted to buy a house, told William, and then became troubled, even tearful, when William gave him advice. William offered Henry advice on Henry’s writings, brilliant but critical advice, and again Henry was upset. Late in life, Henry developed a psychiatric illness that included depression and anorexia, and he turned to William and William’s wife for help. The chapter explicates the author’s process in writing this essay on the James brothers.