James Joyce (1882–1941) was an Irish novelist, short-story writer, and poet widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking works Ulysses, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Finnegans Wake. Known for his innovative use of language, symbolism, and stream-of-consciousness writing, Joyce transformed modern literature. His works often explore themes of identity, memory, human experience, and Irish culture. He remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures in literary history.