James Stephens (author) facts for kids
James Stephens (born February 9, 1880 – died December 26, 1950) was a famous Irish writer. He wrote many novels and poems.
Contents
About James Stephens
His Early Life
James Stephens' birth date was a bit of a mystery. He often said he was born on the same day as another famous writer, James Joyce. However, records show he was likely born on February 9, 1880, in Dublin, Ireland.
His father passed away when James was only two years old. When he was six, his mother remarried. James then went to the Meath Protestant Industrial School for Boys. He spent much of his childhood there.
Despite being very small (only 4 feet, 10 inches tall), James was a great athlete. He was even nicknamed 'Tiny Tim'. He loved stories about soldiers and wanted to join the army, but his height stopped him.
Career and Irish Nationalism
In the early 1900s, James Stephens became interested in socialism. He also learned to speak and write the Irish language. By 1912, he was a strong supporter of Irish independence.
He became good friends with Thomas MacDonagh, a leader in the 1916 Easter Rising. Stephens worked at the National Gallery of Ireland from 1915 to 1925. This job likely came from his growing support for Irish nationalism.
His Writing Career
James Stephens wrote many stories based on old Irish myths. These stories are known for being funny and beautiful. Two of his most loved retellings are Deirdre and Irish Fairy Tales.
He also wrote his own novels, like The Crock of Gold. This book is still very popular today. Stephens started his writing journey as a poet. His first book of poems, Insurrections, came out in 1909.
Stephens also wrote about the 1916 Easter Rising in his book Insurrection in Dublin. He described how sad he felt about his friend Thomas MacDonagh's death. He wrote that MacDonagh was a kind person and his death was a very important event.
Friendship with James Joyce
Later in his life, Stephens lived in cities like Paris, London, and Dublin. In the 1930s, he became friends with James Joyce. They both thought they shared the same birthday, but they were mistaken.
Joyce was working on his big book, Finnegans Wake. He was worried he might not finish it. He even suggested that Stephens could help him write it. The idea was that the book would be credited to "Jameses Joyce & Stephens." However, Joyce finished the book by himself.
Later Life and Broadcasts
In the last ten years of his life, James Stephens found a new way to share his stories. He gave many talks on the BBC radio. This helped him reach a new audience. He passed away on December 26, 1950.
Timeline of James Stephens' Life
- 1880 (February 9) Likely date of birth in Dublin.
- 1886–96 Attended Meath Protestant Industrial School for Boys.
- 1901 Joined a gymnastics team that won the Irish Shield.
- 1907 Began writing for Sinn Féin magazine.
- 1909 Published his poetry collection Insurrections.
- 1910 Helped start The Irish Review magazine.
- 1912 Published novels The Charwoman's Daughter and The Crock of Gold.
- 1913 The Crock of Gold won the Polignac Prize.
- 1914 Published The Demi-Gods.
- 1915 Became Registrar of the National Gallery of Ireland.
- 1916 Published The Insurrection in Dublin, about the Easter Rising.
- 1918 Published Reincarnations.
- 1919 Married Cynthia in London.
- 1920 Published Irish Fairy Tales, retelling old Irish stories.
- 1923 Published Deirdre.
- 1924 Resigned from the National Gallery.
- 1925 Went on lecture tours in the United States.
- 1926 Published Collected Poems.
- 1927 Became friends with James Joyce.
- 1928 Made his first broadcast on the BBC.
- 1929 Joyce suggested Stephens might help him finish Finnegans Wake.
- 1937 His son, James Naoise, passed away.
- 1938 Published Kings and the Moon.
- 1942 Received a British Civil List Pension.
- 1947 Awarded an honorary degree by Trinity College, Dublin.
- 1950 Made his final BBC broadcast; passed away.
