A collection of personal reminiscences of James Joyce by some of his friends and contemporaries which give a deep insight into the character of the man and bring to light many less well-known characteristics. Readers may be surprised to find out from these intimate accounts what an extrovert Joyce was: he was every bit the practical joker in the school drama society and in the gymnasium, and had ambitions to become a first-class swimmer. The perfect Edwardian 'card', the contrast provided here between the withdrawn Stephen Dedalus of his novels and the real Joyce is truly remarkable.