James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (2 February 1882 - 13 January 1941) was an Irish novelist and poet who is considered one of the most influential writers of our time. His writing epitomizes the technical innovations - stream of consciousness and the interior monologue - that brought about the avant-garde movement of the early twentieth century. He is best known for his landmark novel Ulysses, as well as for his nuanced short stories, some of which - such as `Counterparts’, `Grace’ and `Ivy Day in the Committee Room’ - are included in this collection.