James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (2 February 1882 – 13 January 1941) is thought of by many as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
He was a brilliant Irish author who was best known for his monumental novel Ulysses which was published in 1922. Joyce, who lived in Dublin for a large portion of his adult life, was a highly intellectual and intelligent man. Ulysses is an unbelievable masterpiece. It makes the reader examine many thoughtful ideas such as the human mind, society, government, religion, love, life and philosophy just to name a few. Joyce's attention to details is flabbergasting. For example, a single minute detail from chapter five is carefully and intricately woven into the story ten chapters later. The book cites many historical events and people as well as many other classics of literature. Additionally, the novel takes the reader through every level of emotion from desperation and loneliness to frilly happiness and comic relief. The novel is just an absolute testimony to literary ingenuity.
Therefore it might be shocking to find that Joyce was a binge drinker. Joyce not only admitted to his drinking habits, he claimed that drinking made for an excellent writing aid. He said that liquor heightened feelings and believed he could not write as well without drinking. Therefore he refused any psychiatric treatment. Many people do not realize that without the aid of alcohol, Joyce's novel Ulysses would
not exist today. It would be a completely different book.
In early adulthood Joyce was devastated by the death of his mother who had fallen to cancer. He drank heavily to cope with life's misfortunes and was a very difficult person to deal with. For example when he got diagnosed with health problems, instead of following medical advice, he took to liquor and stayed in denial. Joyce would regularly consume several bottles per day. Many times, Joyce would be carried home from the pubs by his friends. He never dealt well with alcohol, yet he never stopped writing. Through his alcoholism, he continued to create magnificent pieces of literature.
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