James Joyce was born on February 2, 1882 in Dublin, Ireland. His subtle yet frank portrayal of human nature, coupled with his mastery of language made him one of the most influential novelists of the 20th century.
        Joyce is best known for his experimental use of language and his exploration of new literary methods. His use of the literary technique, "stream-of-consciousness" reveals the flow of impressions, half thoughts, associations, hesitations, impulses, as well as the rational thoughts of his characters. The main strength of his masterpiece novel, "Ulysses" (1922) lies in the depth of character portrayed using this technique. Joyce's other major works include "Dubliners," a collection of short stories that portray his native city, a semi-autobiographical novel called "A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man" (1916), and "Finnegans Wake" (1939), an experimental novel that first appeared in the form of extracts from 1928 to 1937 as "Work in Progress."
        Joyce faced daunting financial and health problems while at work on "Ulysses." Between 1917 and 1930 he endured a series of 25 operations for eye diseases. Despite these problems he continued to work. He was helped by a large grant from Edith Rockefeller McCormick, and by a series of grants from Harriet Shaw Weaver, which by 1930 had amounted to more than £23,000. The generosity of these patrons resulted from their admiration of his work, and their sympathy with his difficulties.