James Joyce and the Question of History

Explores James Joyce's work as a response to developments in British and European history.

James Fairhall (Author)

9780521558761, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 November 1995

308 pages, 6 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.9 cm, 0.469 kg

'An excellent book. To the vexed question of the political dimensions of Joyce's writings it brings an awareness of the complexity of the relation between literary texts and historical contexts, while at the same time providing historical material that will enrich readings of his works.' Derek Attridge

This ground-breaking book situates Joyce in his historical moment, exploring his attitudes towards colonialism, nationalism, World War I, gender, and class. Although James Fairhall draws on a wide range of critical theories, his study is clearly written and is accessible to any reader interested in the relation between Joyce's works and history.

Introduction: what is history?
1. The murders in the park
2. Literary politics
3. The paralyzed city
4. Growing into history
5. Ulysses and the Great War
6. Reforming the wor(l)d
7. Afterword: language and history
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers [DSK]