The Ondt and The Gracehoper

THE ONDT AND THE GRACEHOPER is James Joyces peculiar and hilarious re-telling of Aesops ancient fable of The Ant and the Grasshopper. Joyces versionis presented in Part III, Chapter 1 of his last great work, Finnegans Wake (1939). This book consists of forty-six colour illustrations by Irish artist Thomas McNally that run alongside Joyces text. Each illustration is based on a linefrom the fable; taken together, they help to interpret and illuminate the work. Seventy-five years on from the original publication, this illustrated edition of Joyces fable offers to readers a comedic, much needed entry-point into Finnegans Wake, and to its apprehension and appreciation. Although Joyces novel is often described as one of the most impenetrable literary works ever written, there are great riches and humour beyond its difficult surface that everyone can enjoy. Reading through Joyces fable alongside the illustrations, readers will be offered an immediate introduction to Finnegans Wake and to its sense of the fantastical that is so intrinsic a feature of Joyces highly imaginative use of language. The book also contains essays by McNally and the eminent Joyce scholar Danis Rose, providing further guidance to readers in their exploration of Joyces masterwork. See more