Joyce for Beginners

By David Norris

Book Overview

James Joyce is one of the most famous--and controversial--writers of the twentieth century. The myth of his difficulty has discouraged many readers from works such as "Ulysses," but David Norris... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1840461195
• ISBN13: 9781840461190
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Totem Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.7" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

good read.

Nice help in understanding theis complex dude... Tito / Bronx, N.Y.

pretty good intro to joyce for the money

it won't pass you in a high level college course but it's got lots of info- a great intro and primer i'd have to say!

Should be read BEFORE reading any of Joyce's works...

This is an excellent introduction to the life and writings of James Joyce, the former being essential to understanding the later, on any level. Mr. Norris's text and Mr. Clint's illustrations (which are actually rather functional) bring a sense of insight to any who attempt to take on one of the most complex writers in Western literature. The outline of "Ulysses" is excellent, and Mr. Norris even takes on the daunting task of begining to explain what has to be one of the most utterly demanding books ever, "Finnegan's Wake," and illustrates, literally, that it is not just some great joke or jibberish as others who probably have tried and failed to interpet, claim it is. And the keen advice from Mr. Norris, although rather pedestrian, disproves the popular notion of Joyce being unreadable. I would strongly recommend this and any of the other editions in this excellent series (I have since purchased, "Introducing Kafka.")

Excellent insight and introduction into Joyce's work.

Introducing Joyce really gives the reader insight into Joyce's methods of writing, how much of his work was autobiographical, and helps one better grasp this great writer's unique style. I was also amused with the interesting illustrations throughout the book. These illustrations make it impossible for the reading to become at all monotonous. One learns many things that are incorporated into his work that you would never know without reading this book. Overall, an excellent way to prepare for the experience of Joyce's writing.