The Death of the Lion

A young journalist is granted rare access to the celebrated but ailing author Neil Paraday, only to witness how fame, society, and ambition conspire to overshadow true literary genius. As Paraday’s health declines, those around him seem more interested in his reputation than his work itself. Henry James’ short story The Death of the Lion is a sharp and ironic critique of celebrity culture, artistic integrity, and the fleeting nature of literary fame. HENRY JAMES [1843 -1916] was born in New York but emigrated to Europe early in life. He is one of the most important figures in Anglo-Saxon turn-of-the-century literature, with novels such as The American [1877] and the horror novel The Turn of the Screw [1898].