'James Joyce and Paul L. Léon: The Story of a Friendship' Revisited

This insightful book explores the profound friendship between James Joyce and Paul L. Léon during Joyce's challenging final decade, revealing their shared experiences and struggles.

In the later years of his life, James Joyce faced numerous challenges while residing in Paris, attempting to complete his monumental work, Finnegans Wake. This period was marked by personal struggles and financial difficulties, all occurring against the backdrop of a continent succumbing to the rise of fascism. The book delves into the significant relationship between Joyce and his close friend, confidant, and adviser, Paul L. Léon, shedding light on how their bond influenced Joyce's creative process during this tumultuous time.

The narrative is enriched with new archival findings and personal testimonies, providing a vivid portrayal of Joyce's social circle in Paris, which included notable literary figures like Samuel Beckett and Vladimir Nabokov. A key feature of this work is the re-publication of Lucie (Léon) Noel’s memoir, which recounts the friendship between her husband and the illustrious Irish writer. This memoir also highlights Léon’s courageous efforts to save Joyce’s invaluable Paris archives from the clutches of the Nazi regime.

Additionally, the book presents previously unpublished letters from Léon to his wife during his internment in Nazi camps, offering a poignant glimpse into his mental and physical struggles. The annotations by Luca Crispi and Mary Gallagher provide vital context, making this work an indispensable resource for scholars interested in Joyce and the literary scene of 1930s Paris amid the onset of World War II.