Four Dubliners: Wilde, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett

*Four Dubliners: Wilde, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett* stands as a quintessential entry on any list of Richard Ellmann's best books, not merely for its subject matter, but because it brilliantly encapsulates the core of his scholarly genius. Assembled from a selection of his insightful lectures and essays, this volume brings together Ellmann's profound understanding of four pivotal figures in modern Irish literature. Drawing upon the decades of meticulous research that fueled his monumental biographies of Wilde, Yeats, and Joyce, the collection offers not just individual portraits but a compelling exploration of their interconnected genius and the crucible of Dublin that shaped them, presenting their lives and works with the unparalleled depth and clarity that defined Ellmann's career. This collection belongs among Ellmann's finest because it showcases his signature blend of biographical flair, critical acumen, and elegant prose in a uniquely accessible format. Each essay, whether revisiting an iconic figure or offering fresh perspectives, distills complex lives and literary achievements into concise, yet deeply insightful, analyses, demonstrating his unparalleled mastery of modern Irish literature. For readers seeking a comprehensive, yet approachable, entry point into the lives and works of these giants, or for those wishing to appreciate Ellmann's signature blend of biographical narrative and critical interpretation across his primary subjects, *Four Dubliners* is an indispensable addition to his essential canon.