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Title: The Portable James Joyce by Harry Levin, James Joyce ISBN: 0-670-40998-7 Publisher: Viking Penguin Pub. Date: 01 January, 1966 Format: Hardcover List Price(USD): $14.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4.67 (3 reviews)

Rating: 4
Summary: Laptop Joyce
Comment: Laptop Joyce

This is an admirable effort that includes all of "Dubliners," "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the play "Exiles," a collection of poems, including "Chamber Music" and "Pomes Penyeach," five chapters from "Ulysses," and three from Finnegan's Wake. The entire volume is introduced briefly (16 pages); each major work has a short preface as well. Not surprisingly, such brevity omits the many interpretations of Joyce's works, and much background material. But this is a good get-your-feet-wet volume: An introduction to the major themes and styles of Joyce that can be approached by readers of varying experience.

"Dubliners" is easily comprehended at first reading (although the reader may choose to pursue its many layers by reading books that focus on interpretation), and may encourage the extra effort (and resulting pleasures) sometimes required for the other material. The inclusion of a few chapters from "Ulysses" and "Finnegan's Wake" afford a sampling of the author's more "difficult" books. I don't think the reader will come away with an appreciation of the total book (how could one?), but will gain some familiarity with Joyce's more complex works.

Should you buy this compact, thick, version, or the works individually? I think there are two groups to whom the book will appeal: The reader who wants a fairly comprehensive introduction to Joyce, and the Joyce-fan who knows he or she would like a portable collection. Both types will forfeit some ease of reading (the print is small, but surprisingly clear), the complete text of the longer books, and literary "decoding" and criticism for the convenience and savings of one volume. For these readers, this volume is highly recommended.

Rating: 5
Summary: For a little more money, get a lot more JOYCE!
Comment: I was out on a shopping venture intending to buy a copy of Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" when I stumbled on to this Joyce volume. For only $4 more, this is well worth it. Not only does this include "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", but it also includes Joyce's revolutionary short story collection, "Dubliners". Levin also includes samples of other Joyce writings including pieces of "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake". The writings of Joyce speak for themselves; therefore, anyone serious about literature already knows they should read Joyce. Since it is not necessary to tell the literary public to read Joyce, I just wanted everyone to know that this volume contains a lot more Joyce for not too much more money.

Rating: 5
Summary: A fantastic collection of Joyce's major works
Comment: Within the pages of the Portable James Joyce the reader will find two of the greatest works of all time, his Dubliners and Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Additionally, Levin has included exerts from Joycs's epic stream of consciousness works, Ulyssis and Finnegan's Wake. But what I found the most pleasant was the inclusion of some of Joyce's lesser acclaimed poetry, including Chamber Music and his three act play Exiles. Harry Levin has strung together all of what has made Joyce the worlds prominent literary artist while also providing for alternative perspectives of his voice and genius. Truly a must for any Joycean and students of the writen word.