James Joyce

James Joyce, as the subject of the biography, is the most important focus of the book. A constant and unchanging man, Joyce is cerebral, imaginative, intense and devoted to his family. He always has trouble with money and has no problems borrowing from friends. The sums of money he borrows, and the frequency with which he borrows it, are staggering. Even during times when money is less scarce—when he has sold a book, received a grant, or had help from a friend—he often buys frivolous presents rather than the necessities that his family needs. Still, he is extremely loyal and helps his friends to the best of his abilities, particularly where their writing is concerned. A particularly touching example of this is the help and comfort he provids Samuel Beckett after his stabbing. Joyce is devoted to his family. In his early life...