James Joyce (1882–1941) was an Irish novelist, short story writer, poet, teacher, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative authors of the 20th century. Joyce is best known for his groundbreaking work, 'Ulysses' (1922), a landmark of modernist literature that reimagines Homer's epic 'Odyssey' in the context of an ordinary day in Dublin. Joyce's literary output features a unique stream-of-consciousness technique, complex characterisations, and an expansive use of language. His other major works include 'Dubliners' (1914), a collection of short stories that captures the mundane and the profound in the lives of ordinary Dubliners, and 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' (1916), an autobiographical novel that charts the coming-of-age of protagonist Stephen Dedalus. Joyce's works have been characterised by their innovative narrative style and exploration of the inner monologue, aspects which influenced the development of the 20th century English novel. Besides his prose, Joyce's contributions to poetry were significant, albeit less known. 'The Complete Poetry of James Joyce' encompasses his poetic oeuvre, including the collection 'Chamber Music' (1907), which reflects his early period dominated by themes of love and loss, rendered with a lyrical grace that echoes the musical quality the collection's title suggests. Joyce's literary achievements continue to be a subject of scholarly study and his influence is felt in numerous literary circles, underpinning his status as a monumental figure in the annals of world literature.