James Joyce cover art

James Joyce

Revised Edition

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James Joyce

By: Richard Ellman
Narrated by: John Keating
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About this listen

Richard Ellmann has revised and expanded his definitive work on Joyce's life to include newly discovered primary material, including details of a failed love affair, a limerick about Samuel Beckett, a dream notebook, previously unknown letters, and much more.

©1982 Richard Ellman (P)2014 Audible Inc. Art & Literature Authors Collections & Anthologies Entertainment & Celebrities European Literary History & Criticism Poetry World Literature

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All stars
Most relevant  
Really great biography, however, there are several passages in languages other than English which are not translated. Obviously a problem if you are not fluent in French, Latin, German and Italian. With respect to the reader, who does a good job, his pronunciation of French is not great so even if you do speak those languages you might not understand. Doesn’t spoil overall enjoyment of the book though.

Excellent book. Foreign language quotations in reading a problem.

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What was one of the most memorable moments of James Joyce?

Joyce meeting Proust and both complaining about their health.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He has no legato, so he .......puts in .....strange........pauses. Some strangled French and Italian to boot.

Any additional comments?

Despite the slightly odd reading (which is perfectly acceptable) this remains a truly remarkable biography. Every page is fascinating and the advantage over Gordon Bowker's fine effort (also recommended) is the analysis of the works and the sheer breadth of the research and scholarship. A monumental achievement.

Brilliant Biography, slightly odd reading.

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I loved this book beautifully told I feel sad now I've finished it Wonderful Amazing

This was such a great book excellent

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The book being a true page turner (well, assuming you are interested in Joyce work and life) the listening would have been a great joy too, were it only not for the utterly inadequate renderings of the numerous quotations in French, German and Italian. This fatal stab on Joyce key languages of expression is only partially compensated by the very sonorous and melodic voice with what seems a mild Irish accent that is very fitting for Joyce's quotations in English

Mesmerising book, partially adequate reading

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great to know more about She the penman. A true genius and life brilliantly told and narrated.

Ellman breaths life into JJ

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Great book and perfect narration. Very long but did not seem so. Engaging throughout.

Excellent

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This is the best biography of Joyce by a country mile. Amazingly researched and beautifully written. However, the performance by the actor John Keating is utterly bizarre. He has an odd stuttering style, which pauses at inexplicable moments. Every paragraph is read in the same way. His voice starts off high and then drops in tone every time, with little pauses between the words. It is excruciating to listen to and I barely got through the book because of the way it is read. You will know from the audio sample if it is for you. But I still enjoyed it despite the best efforts of the actor.

very strange performance

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