The Years of Bloom: James Joyce in Trieste 1904-1920

by John McCourt

Since the publication of Richard Ellmann's James Joyce in 1959, Joyce has received remarkably little biographical attention. The Years of Bloom, based on extensive scrutiny of previously unused sources and informed by the author's intimate knowledge of the culture and dialect of Trieste, is possibly the most important work of Joyce biography since Ellmann, re-creating this fertile period in Joyce's life with an extraoridinary richness of detail and depth of understanding. Now available in paperback.

Genres: Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2000

Reviews

[Michael D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting account of Joyce's early years in Europe. A shambolic, even ridiculous figure whose everyday existence was a penurious disaster, 'Shem The Penman' it seems, made life utterly miserable for all those closest to him, none more so than his long-suffering wife Nora and ridiculously supportive brother Stanislaus. McCourt writes well about Trieste and conjures up the spirit of the time admirably.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loads of new information and really well written. Makes me want to read more of Joyce, which is always a sign of good criticism.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful book about Joyce's years in Trieste but not written about as much. For centuries Trieste has been the cross roads of many cultures and ideas and movements. The early 20th century was a fertile period for artist, writers and thinkers in the city. That is when Joyce came to Trieste with Nora to earn a living teaching English at the Berlitz school as well as write. It is there he came into contact with different writers and thinkers who who were to influence him and characters in his books. An enjoyable read for me having spent time living in Trieste during my youth. McCourt gives an in depth background on the history and undercurrents of the period and how it helped shape one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. I may actually have the courage now to attempt one of his novels now! Not sure though.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fascinating. I wish I'd had been able to read this before ever reading Ulysses.