Friends and acquaintances reflect on the life, character, and literary development of James Joyce during his period of exile in Europe from 1904 to his death in 1941
(4.5 stars). I've read way too many books about Joyce and this is easily among the best secondary sources, certainly the best biographical source (more informative and less of a slog than both major biographies in English). In terms of works about Joyce in general, overall I'd say it's second only to Kenner's Ulysses. The oral history format is incredibly compelling when done well, and Joyce had some very intelligent/articulate friends (as one might imagine).