This collection of essays by L. M. Budgen, a close friend and associate of James Joyce, provides a unique window into the mind of one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of Joyce's work, Budgen offers insightful and often provocative analyses of Joyce's major works, including Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. But Live Coals is much more than just a commentary on Joyce; it is a fascinating exploration of the nature of literature and the role of the artist in society. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.