James Joyce Sculpture - North Earl Street

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet, teacher, and literary critic and is regarded as one of the most influential and important authors of the 20th century. Ulysses, perhaps Joyces most reknowned work, is centred around one day of Leopold Blooms life travelling through Dublin. It is considered to be one of the most important works of modernist literature to date. The work and life of Joyce is celebrated annually on 16 June, known as Bloomsday, in Dublin and in an increasing number of cities worldwide. Born in Rathgar in 1882, the young Joyce was a brilliant student, becoming involved with the city's literary and theatrical circles while studying at University College. His first publication was an impassioned review of Ibsen's When We Dead Wake; Joyce was so struck by the play that he learned Norwegian to send a fan letter to the playwright! Although he spent much of his adult life living abroad, Joyce placed Dublin at the centre of his writing, once remarking: "I always write about Dublin, because if I can get to the heart of Dublin I can get to the heart of all the cities of the world. In the particular is contained the universal."