William James

An item at American Writers Museum

In 1890, William James transformed the field of psychology with his monumental work The Principles of Psychology. A decade in the making, Principles offered a practical take on human consciousness: our dynamic, ever-changing flow of thoughts helps us navigate our environment.

James wrote in a clear, direct prose that prompted German philosopher Wilhelm Wundt to scoff, "[Principles] is literature. It is beautiful, but it is not psychology." Today, Principles is regarded as both: literature and a foundational work of psychology. James also applied his engaging writing style to such groundbreaking works on religion and philosophy as The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) and Pragmatism: A New Name for Old Ways of Thinking (1907).

AMERICAN VOICES

An exhibit at American Writers Museum

American writing is distinctive, diverse, and comes in many forms from across the nation. The 100 authors featured here represent the evolution of American writing. Learn more about each writer on the timeline by turning the panels below their portraits. Explore centuries of writing by pulling, turning, and touching the interactive elements on the counter.

This is not meant to be a list of the greatest or most influential writers. Instead, we present authors and works as part of the American story as it grows and changes. Taken together, this rich literary heritage reflects America in all of its complexity: its energy, hope, conflict, disillusionment, and creativity.

American Writers Museum