Conversations with James Joyce [first edition]

"Only a few friends were privileged to know anything of the real personality behind the courteous facade of Joyce. Power was 1 of the even smaller number who succeeded in engaging Joyce in repeated + sustained conversation on such topics as literature + literary values. After a slightly insecure start the friendship between Power + the Joyce family flourished in the 20s, for apart from his personal attractiveness, Power had the important virtue, in Joyce's eyes, of being not only Irish but also loquacious. It is not only about literary topics that Power has something of value to say. He offers may small insights into Joyce's daily habits + tastes in more mundane matters,+ the small vignettes which he provides of Joyce + his family both at work+ in more convivial circumstances are among the freshest to have been recorded...a fascinating + charming book."