Book Launch by Michael Quinn

6 December 2024 at 6.30pm

The James Joyce Centre on Friday, December 6th at 6.30pm held a special presentation of a fascinating social study entitled Araby House, James Joyce and all the Neighbours on North Richmond Street, Dublin, 1820-1998 by Dr. Michael Quinn.

Since the 1800s, Araby House and North Richmond Street have been part of the built heritage of Dublin’s characterful north inner city neighbourhood. They have also been home to generations of citizens — some famous, many forgotten. Michael’s book demonstrates why out of all the streets that the Joyce family lived on, North Richmond Street and its environs commands the most attention in his great novels and short stories. At the same time, the study rescues from the dusty records of history dozens of other gallant women, men and children who lived, worked and played here.

Michael graduated from Maynooth University with a B.A. degree in local studies and a Ph.D for an international relations topic. In this work he has deployed his skills as a historian to investigate the historical context and semi-autobiographical nature of the short story ‘Araby‘ in Joyce’s Dubliners, and in related aspects of Ulysses. Michael also leads, with fellow Joycean Billy Fitzpatrick, the popular Fr. John Conmee, S.J. Walking Tour every year on Bloomsday.

The book was first published privately during the Covid-19 pandemic by the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU), which is headquartered in none other than Araby House, and where Michael worked for a number of years prior to his retirement. The book has now been republished by the James Joyce Centre. The launch featured guest speakers Brian Trench and Brid O’Brien, the Director of the INOU.

At €15 per copy (2 for €25), it offers the perfect Christmas gift for Joyceans and all those with an interest in Dublin’s local history. Copies are also available for purchase in our gift shop and for shipping worldwide.

The James Joyce Centre is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.