James Stephens

James Stephens (1880–1950) was an Irish novelist and poet whose early life was marked by hardship, including a period in an industrial school after his father's death. Despite his small stature, he excelled in athletics. Stephens developed strong socialist and Irish republican sympathies, becoming a close associate of nationalist leader Thomas MacDonagh. His career included a significant period as registrar at the National Gallery of Ireland. He was also a friend of James Joyce, with whom he briefly considered a collaborative writing project.

Stephens gained recognition for his retellings of Irish myths, such as 'Deirdre' and 'Irish Fairy Tales,' which are often praised for their humor and lyrical quality. He also penned original novels, including the popular 'The Crock of Gold,' which drew inspiration from Irish wonder tales. His literary output began with poetry collections like 'Insurrections,' published in 1909, and continued with verse throughout his career. Stephens's firsthand account of the 1916 Easter Rising, 'Insurrection in Dublin,' offered a poignant reflection on the executions of his friends, particularly Thomas MacDonagh.

James Stephens's early years were shaped by significant challenges. Born in Dublin around February 1880, his childhood was disrupted by the death of his father when he was two. At age six, following his mother's remarriage, he was sent to the Meath Protestant Industrial School for Boys, where he spent much of his formative years. Despite his diminutive size, standing only 4 ft 10 in, Stephens was an accomplished athlete, earning the nickname 'Tiny Tim.' He later trained as a solicitor's clerk.

By the early 20th century, Stephens was deeply involved in socialist movements and the Irish language. He became a committed Irish Republican, fostering close relationships with key figures like Thomas MacDonagh, a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising. This growing nationalism led to a rift with his adoptive family but likely aided his employment as registrar at the National Gallery of Ireland, where he worked for a decade. His earlier professional life included a position with a firm of solicitors.

Stephens is celebrated for his evocative retellings of Irish myths and legends, notably 'Deirdre' and 'Irish Fairy Tales.' His original novels, such as 'The Crock of Gold' and 'The Demi-Gods,' also drew heavily on Irish folklore, with 'The Crock of Gold' achieving lasting popularity. He began his literary career as a poet, with his first collection, 'Insurrections,' published in 1909. His writings often display a distinctive fusion of humor and lyricism. His account of the 1916 Rising, 'Insurrection in Dublin,' provides a personal and moving perspective on the events and their impact.

In his later years, Stephens resided in various locations, including Paris and London. He formed a friendship with James Joyce in the 1930s, and they mistakenly believed they shared a birthday. Joyce even considered having Stephens co-author 'Finnegans Wake' due to his own struggles with the novel, a plan that was ultimately not realized. Stephens found a wider audience in his final decade through a series of BBC broadcasts. He was recognized with an honorary DLitt from Trinity College, Dublin, shortly before his death in 1950.

“No person living is the worse off for having known Thomas MacDonagh, and I, at least, have never heard MacDonagh speak unkindly or even harshly of anything that lived. It has been said of him that his lyrics were epical; in a measure it is true, and it is true in the same measure that his death was epical. He was the first of the leaders who was tried and shot.”