A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man represents the transitional stage between the realism of Joyce’s Dubliners and the symbolism of Ulysses, and is essential to the understanding of the later work.
The novel is a highly autobiographical account of the adolescence and youth of Stephen Dedalus, who reappears in Ulysses, and who comes to realize that before he can become a true artist, he must rid himself of the stultifying effects of the religion, politics and essential bigotry of his background in late 19th century Ireland.

Written with a light touch, this is perhaps the most accessible of Joyce’s works.

• Paperback, 329 pages
• Published March 25th 2003 by Penguin Classics (first published December 29th 1916)
• Original Title A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
• ISBN 0142437344 (ISBN13: 9780142437346)
• Edition Language English