In Henry James and Queer Modernity, Eric Haralson examines far-reaching changes in gender politics and the emergence of modern male homosexuality as depicted in the writings of Henry James and three authors who were greatly influenced by him: Willa Cather, Gertrude Stein, and Ernest Hemingway. Haralson places emphasis on American masculinity as portrayed in fiction between 1875 and 1935. He traces James's engagement with sexual politics from his first novels of the 1870s to his 'major phase' at the turn of the century.