The Cat and the Devil by James Joyce

The Cat and the Devil by James Joyce

Introduce young readers to the work of Ireland’s literary giant James Joyce with this delightfully illustrated hardback picture book.

First written in a 1936 letter to his grandson, James Joyce’s The Cat and the Devil playfully retells a French folk tale about how the bridge at Beaugency came to be. In this light-hearted fable, the Devil offers to build a magnificent bridge across the Loire – but, as always, he demands a steep price in return. The quick-witted mayor, however, turns the Devil’s fondness for cats into a clever trick, outsmarting him and saving the townspeople from his bargain.

Long out of print, this new edition brings Joyce’s playful storytelling and timeless wit to a new generation, complete with stunning illustrations that make it a must-have for children, collectors and Joyce enthusiasts alike.

"Will intrigue older readers of 7+ and their grown-ups"

"Probably the most impressive book I've seen this year for younger readers. ... Adult Joyce fans would also be impressed with a gift of this book, it is exquisite."

James Joyce (1882–1941) is one of the most important authors in the history of the English language. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he immortalised the city of his birth in modernist masterpiece Ulysses (1922). That book is celebrated annually in Dublin on 16 June, known as "Bloomsday" after its main character, Leopold Bloom. Joyce's other works include Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Finnegans Wake. The Cat and the Devil was first written in a letter to his young grandson, Stephen Joyce.