James Joyce (1882-1941) was an Irish novelist, poet, and playwright. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works, such as Ulysses and Dubliners, are renowned for their innovative use of language and stream-of-consciousness narrative. Joyce was born in Dublin and spent much of his life in exile in Paris and Zurich. He was a major figure in the modernist movement and his works are seen as a bridge between the 19th and 20th centuries. He is remembered for his unique writing style and his influence on the development of the English language.