William James

This selection of William James's unpublished correspondence emphasizes the continuous and harmonious integration of his talents, interests, and achievements in the fields of science, psychology, and philosophy. The letters provide a vivid, personal, and detailed account of a twenty-five year slice of American European intellectual history, making a major contribution to our understanding of James the professional and scholar as well as revealing much about James the man. William James was a man around whom the professional lives and works of many men and women revolved. He was also at the forefront of the rapid growth in the intellectual life of several colleges and universities. The letters shed light on James's influence upon people and institutions and portray James as a teacher, public lecturer, scholar, and literary artist. Dr. Scott provides an informative introduction and annotated chronology to place the letters in context. Frederick J. Down Scott is professor of philosophy at San Jose State University. He is the author of several articles on William James and Walter Burley's Treatise de Formis.