James Joyce, one of the most important writers of the twentieth century, continues to fascinate readers all over the world. His works illuminate the human condition in a way that many readers find life changing. But he also challenges the reader with a variety of experimental techniques befitting one of the most important artists in the twentieth century movement known as “modernism.” James Joyce Literary Companion provides historical and biographical background, plot summaries of the novels and stories, and critical insight helpful for any reader of Joyce’s works. Featuring a detailed, chapter-by-chapter discussion of each of the major works, this companion also offers an A-Z guide to the life, works, people, history, and context that informed Joyce’s writing. Helpful appendices offer readers a capsule summary of the most important books of Joyce literary criticism and biography, as well as a discussion of the many significant films that have been based on his work.