Joyce Effects is a series of connected essays by one of todays leading commentators on James Joyce. Joyces books Derek Attridge argues go off like fireworks and one of this books aims is to enhance the readers enjoyment of these special effects. He also examines another sort of effect the way Joyces writing challenges and transforms our understanding of language literature and history. Attridges exploration of these transforming effects represents fifteen years of close engagement with Joyce and reflects the changing course of Joyce criticism during this period. Each of Joyces four major books is addressed in depth while several shorter chapters take up particular theoretical topics such as character chance and coincidence historical writing and narrative as they are staged and scrutinized in Joyces writing. Through lively and accessible discussion this book advances a mode of reading open to both the pleasures and the surprises of the literary work.