The Metaphysical Club: A Story of Ideas in America Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 2, Chapter 4 The Man of Two Minds, Section 2 Summary

Part 2, Chapter 4 The Man of Two Minds, Section 2 Summary

The James' were from Irish descendants on both sides. William James, the grandfather, came to America at 18 and made his fortune. He was considered the second wealthiest man in New York. Henry James Sr. was from his third wife and was a prodigal son. Henry James Sr. rebelled against everything his father believed in. He dropped out of school, ran up large bills on his father's credit for cigars and clothes and just did as he pleased, until he was born-again with the Great Second Awakening.

There were two events in Henry Sr.'s life that changed him. The first was that he had most of his right leg amputated because of an accident. The other was the fact that his father had disinherited him to a point. Henry Sr. sued the estate two times before the will was voided in 1836 and he was given his share. During the...
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