James Stephens (1882-1950) was an Irish novelist, poet, and folklorist. Adopted at a young age, Stephens spent much of his childhood on the streets. Having managed to make his way through school, Stephens became a solicitor’s clerk before developing an interest in Irish Republicanism and learning to read, write, and speak the Irish language. As he became politically active, he dedicated himself to writing versions of Irish myths, as well as composing original novels. A friend and colleague of James Joyce and George William Russell, James Stephens is an important and underrecognized figure in twentieth century Irish literature.