Book excerpt: First published in 1957, this book explores what remained of Joyce’s background, not only in Ireland but in those cities abroad where his books were written. With the co-operation of those who knew the author, including his brother, much new material was brought together to shed new light on Joyce’s life, character and methods of writing. The author traces Joyce, and his writings, from his beginnings in Ireland, through Zürich, London and Paris, to his difficult final year at Vichy in 1940. Previously unpublished letters illustrate his relationships with important figures of the period like Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot and H.G. Wells. This title will be of interest to student of literature.