The Portable James Joyce

I love reading while traveling and this book doesn't disappoint. Whether on the train for 30 minutes to work or on a transatlantic plane for 10 hours, this book is the perfect companion. The fact that I could get short stories, poems, and full-length classics all in one place (no more carting 3-5 books in a carry-on bag), was fantastic. If you are a James Joyce fan, this book has a bit of everything to quell your thirst. I especially liked reading about the challenges Joyce had throughout his life and writing career (as told in the introduction by Harry Levin). It is inspiration to all aspiring writers.

ANOTHER HOMERUN BY PENGUIN PORTABLE LIBRARY!!!!! This is a very impressive sampling of one of the greatest manipulators of the English language, the member of the great trimverte of modern prose writers, who stands tall with Marcel Proust (1871-1922) and Thomas Mann(1875-1955). I was very surprised that it not only contains his great collection of short stories which convey a great sense of Dublin, Dubliners (1914), but it has the complete novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916). Not only that, it has all the poetry the man ever wrote (or at least all that sees the light in our modern times). AND...if that is not enough for you, it also contains his 1918 play Exiles. It also contains a sampling of his more complicated great stream of consciousness novels from his mature period and they are the great masterpiece of stream of consciousness writing which established it as a modern art form, Ulysses (1922) and the incredible, controversial, mind boggling epic that is Finnegans Wake (1939). To read the latter is hard and to understand it is just about impossible. Think of it as a final statement of Joyce's art, sort of forging a new language, going beyond the constricing limits of the English Language or, if you're like most of it's "victims," think of it as a prelonged and rediculous practical joke. Whatever you think about this guy, you can't help but remember the writings of James Joyce (1882-1941).

In a way all of Joyce's themes are contained in miniature 'Dubliners' and ' Portrait of an Artist'. Both of these are included in this anthology. There are also in the anthology chapters from ' Ulysses' and from ' Finnegan's Wake'. One of the distinguished Joyce scholars of the previous generation Harry Levin writes the introduction. The reader of this volume will get in miniature the collective portrait of the city Dublin, the story of the artistic quest of the Joyce alter ego Stephen Daedelaus ( including the renunciation of church, homeland, and family) the attempt to transform all of life and history into a new language which the reader is required to read ' all the years of the nights of his life'. The vast Joycean ambition and enterprise, the magical lyrical verbal art, the maker - remaker - creator the giant of twentieth century and world literature is the lyrical taddy carrying us along to one of the most brilliant of all literary toy fairs. Enjoy it.

Laptop JoyceThis is an admirable effort that includes all of "Dubliners," "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the play "Exiles," a collection of poems, including "Chamber Music" and "Pomes Penyeach," five chapters from "Ulysses," and three from Finnegan's Wake. The entire volume is introduced briefly (16 pages); each major work has a short preface as well. Not surprisingly, such brevity omits the many interpretations of Joyce's works, and much background material. But this is a good get-your-feet-wet volume: An introduction to the major themes and styles of Joyce that can be approached by readers of varying experience. "Dubliners" is easily comprehended at first reading (although the reader may choose to pursue its many layers by reading books that focus on interpretation), and may encourage the extra effort (and resulting pleasures) sometimes required for the other material. The inclusion of a few chapters from "Ulysses" and "Finnegan's Wake" afford a sampling of the author's more "difficult" books. I don't think the reader will come away with an appreciation of the total book (how could one?), but will gain some familiarity with Joyce's more complex works.Should you buy this compact, thick, version, or the works individually? I think there are two groups to whom the book will appeal: The reader who wants a fairly comprehensive introduction to Joyce, and the Joyce-fan who knows he or she would like a portable collection. Both types will forfeit some ease of reading (the print is small, but surprisingly clear), the complete text of the longer books, and literary "decoding" and criticism for the convenience and savings of one volume. For these readers, this volume is highly recommended.

I was out on a shopping venture intending to buy a copy of Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" when I stumbled on to this Joyce volume. For only $4 more, this is well worth it. Not only does this include "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", but it also includes Joyce's revolutionary short story collection, "Dubliners". Levin also includes samples of other Joyce writings including pieces of "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake". The writings of Joyce speak for themselves; therefore, anyone serious about literature already knows they should read Joyce. Since it is not necessary to tell the literary public to read Joyce, I just wanted everyone to know that this volume contains a lot more Joyce for not too much more money.

Within the pages of the Portable James Joyce the reader will find two of the greatest works of all time, his Dubliners and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Additionally, Levin has included exerts from Joycs's epic stream of consciousness works, Ulyssis and Finnegan's Wake. But what I found the most pleasant was the inclusion of some of Joyce's lesser acclaimed poetry, including Chamber Music and his three act play Exiles. Harry Levin has strung together all of what has made Joyce the worlds prominent literary artist while also providing for alternative perspectives of his voice and genius. Truly a must for any Joycean and students of the writen word.