James Joyce was an Irish novelist and poet, widely considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his groundbreaking work "Ulysses," which is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and complex portrayal of human consciousness. Joyce's writing often explores themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning in the modern world. His work has had a profound impact on the development of modernist literature and continues to be studied and celebrated for its literary innovation and depth of insight into the human experience.