The Canonization of James Joyce: A Biography of a Masterpiece and Its Maker

This article explores Richard Ellmann's monumental biography of James Joyce, examining its creation, impact, and enduring legacy. Ellmann's masterful blend of research, charm, and narrative skill resulted in a groundbreaking work that transcended academic circles. The article delves into Ellmann's meticulous research methods, his access to previously unpublished materials, and the challenges he faced in shaping the narrative of Joyce's complex life. It further considers the biography's impact on Joyce's reception, its place in the evolution of biographical writing, and how its approach contrasts with more recent theoretical frameworks in literary studies.