Regarding the famous photograph with the cap: "James Joyce, at the age of 22, when asked what he was thinking while C. P. Curran was photographing him: 'I was wondering would he lend me five shillings.'" This photograph holds a certain charm and curiosity. It gives us a glimpse into the mind of the young James Joyce. At that moment, instead of having profound or artistic thoughts, he was preoccupied with a rather mundane concern - whether he could borrow five shillings from the photographer. It shows that even a great literary figure like Joyce had his practical and everyday considerations. This simple yet revealing statement adds a touch of humanity to his image. It makes us think about the man behind the genius, the one who had financial needs and was not above asking for a small loan. The photograph and this accompanying quote together create a memorable and engaging snapshot of a specific moment in Joyce's life.

A good book is like a precious treasure that holds the power to transport us to different worlds, expand our knowledge, and touch our hearts.

It has the ability to captivate our attention from the very first page, making us eager to turn each one and discover what lies ahead.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, a good book has the potential to leave a lasting impact on our lives.

It can inspire us, make us laugh, bring us to tears, and even change our perspectives.

When we read a good book, we become immersed in its story, and for a brief moment, we forget about the outside world and all its distractions.

It allows us to escape and unwind, while also enriching our minds and souls.

A good book is truly a gift that keeps on giving, and it is something that we should all cherish and seek out.

Esasen, the book was a five-star one; directly and truly.

However, the author's overly careless approach really bothered me a lot. As a result, it also prolonged the time I took to finish the book significantly.

It seemed as if it hadn't passed through the hands of an editor at all, as if they had never checked it before printing. They could have treated such an important book more properly.

It's the fault of the publisher rather than the reader.

This kind of situation is really unacceptable. The quality of a book is of great importance, and it should go through strict editorial processes to ensure its excellence.

Hopefully, in the future, publishers will pay more attention to these details and provide readers with better-quality books.

I didn't actually listen to the audiobook. Instead, I read a used hardback of the 1984 edition, which wasn't in the database.

The book, although quite long and dense at times, offers a very comprehensive coverage of Joyce's life. Ellmann makes use of letters and numerous references to bring out the details.

He effectively captures Joyce's genius and shows how his early life in Dublin had a profound influence on his writings. This provides depth and clarity to his works, which might otherwise seem too obscure at times.

Overall, reading this hardback edition was a rewarding experience as it allowed me to delve deeper into the life and works of James Joyce.

I have been persistently striving to catch up on those crucial books that I have never had the chance to read. This particular one made it onto the most difficult list, which compared it to Gravity's Rainbow and Infinite Jest. Since I adored both of these, I immediately delved into it.

It is a meandering, stream-of-consciousness journey to Dublin at the dawn of the 1900s, and it mirrors the Greek tale. From the wine-red seas to the significance of the bard leaving his second-best bed to his widow, or a retelling of the "washing as far as possible" joke that my mother used to repeat when I was little, it transports you to that era, along with its concerns and prejudices.

It is truly well worth taking a look at. You will find yourself immersed in a world that is both familiar and yet so different, experiencing the emotions and thoughts of the characters as if they were your own. The vivid descriptions and the unique narrative style make this book a captivating read that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

A genius is penning the life of the supreme literary genius of the twentieth century.

"We are all striving to become Joyce's contemporaries." From his days at the Jesuit school to his final departure in Zurich, Joyce led the most extraordinary life on this side of Einstein.

Rejecting politics, religion, and sexual mores, Joyce was liberated to shatter the literary mold. He freed the novel from the constraints of traditional narrative and made "listening to the words" the essential experience for his readers.

This work is a must-read for anyone desiring to understand not only modernism but also the modern world. It is first-rate, and Dick Ellmann has done an outstanding job!

Ellmann's exploration of Joyce's life and works offers profound insights into the mind of a literary giant. By delving into Joyce's personal experiences, we can better appreciate the revolutionary nature of his literary contributions.

Whether you are a literature enthusiast or simply curious about the forces that shaped the modern era, this book is sure to captivate and enlighten you.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Joyce and his impact on the literary landscape.

That was truly incredible.

I not only read this book but also listened to it on audio. I would listen while strolling at work, and as I did so, I was whisked away to the very same places as Joyce. It felt as if I was right there beside him, and this made the entire experience even more enchanting. The excerpts at the beginning of each section were simply delightful and always kindled the desire to continue with "Finnegans Wake". The book was filled with letters, poems, photos, and hand-drawn sketches from Joyce. It was an absolute treat.

Richard Ellmann's book didn't seem long enough, especially considering that Joyce led such a remarkable life, which was evident in all of his works. He couldn't do anything in a small way.

The quote "The ingenuity with which he wrote his books was the same with which he forced the world to read them" really stuck with me.

I have read "A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN", "DUBLINERS", and "ULYSSES". Ellmann's book deepened my appreciation for all of these works even more. Hearing about the struggles, developments, and creations behind them was truly astounding. How could I not hold them in higher regard?

Now I must finish "FINNEGANS WAKE". Even Nora Barnacle thought it was the best, as she said, "What's all this talk about Ulysses, Finnegans Wake is the important one."

One of the saddest parts of this listening and reading experience for me was during the completion of "FINNEGANS WAKE". Joyce believed that once he emerged from the book of the dark, his daughter, Lucia, would be cured of her illnesses.

Joyce was arrogant, and he knew it. He even reflected on his arrogance when returning to Zurich for the last time, saying, "arrogant in the flash of his own genius, but now he knew too much for his own arrogance." His arrogance was accompanied by absolute self-confidence, the kind that I wish I could access. He wanted to be remembered, and indeed he is.

Finished reading for the second time.

Ellman was truly a brilliant biographer. His work is an outstanding exemplar of the art of biography.

In this particular work, he provides a definitive psychological and artistic measure of Joyce.

Through his meticulous research and perceptive analysis, Ellman delves deep into the mind and creative process of Joyce.

He uncovers the complex web of emotions, experiences, and ideas that influenced Joyce's writing.

The book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Joyce as a person and as an artist.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in Joyce or in the art of biography.

Ellman's work stands as a testament to his own literary talent and his profound understanding of his subject.

It is a classic of biographical literature that will continue to be studied and admired for years to come.

This is an excellent biography for several reasons.

Admittedly, it can be as boring as it is interesting, but that's simply due to its absolute thoroughness. Ellmann put in a great deal of legwork, and this is evident both in the text and in the meticulously sourced notes. What makes it truly great is his treatment of Joyce as a subject. He doesn't shy away from details that might make Joyce seem like an asshole, which in turn creates a more nuanced portrayal of an already complex figure.

The aspect that makes his approach successful is also how he appraises Joyce from an academic perspective. He not only chronicles Joyce's life but also his art. Given how much of his life Joyce incorporated into his works, this was perhaps unavoidable. However, that critical perspective provides the angle that makes this biography worth reading. Respecting his art and basing the biography around it as closely as Joyce dedicated himself to his art gives the proper context for a Joyce biography.

Beyond that, the minutiae and anecdotes are also interesting. Overall, it's a solid recommendation.

An extremely detailed portrait of one of the greatest literary geniuses of all time is presented. Its detail is truly remarkable, as it delves into both the fascinating and mundane aspects of Joyce's life. This thoroughness is both its strength and its weakness. On one hand, it allows the reader (or in my case, the listener) to feel intimately acquainted with Joyce. On the other hand, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Overall, it is a great "read" (or listen, as I did on Audible). It left me with a considerable understanding of a unique mind. It also more or less convinced me that writing should not be my own intended future. The complexity and depth of Joyce's work are truly intimidating, and after experiencing this portrait, I realize that I may not have the same level of talent or dedication. However, it has also inspired me to appreciate and respect the art of writing even more.

Just like Ellmann's biography of Wilde, this particular biography is astonishingly detailed and exceptionally well-written. It truly stands out for its meticulous attention to every aspect of the subject's life. Even though I was already familiar with the basic outlines of Joyce's life, reading this biography still provided me with a wealth of new and fascinating information. It delved deeper into his personal experiences, his creative process, and the various influences that shaped his works. The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a pleasure to read. I cannot recommend this biography highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Joyce or in the field of literary biography.

Monumental Biography.

It is an extremely entertaining read that is precisely documented and makes you empathize with the protagonist.

This biography serves as a total example of what the genre is all about.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the life and times of the protagonist in a vivid and engaging manner.

The details provided are not only accurate but also add depth and authenticity to the story.

As you read through the pages, you can't help but be drawn into the world of the protagonist and experience their joys, sorrows, and challenges along with them.

Whether you are a fan of biographies or simply looking for a good read, this book is sure to satisfy.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the power of storytelling.

Overall, this monumental biography is a true masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your mind and heart.