''A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'' is a coming-of-age novel by Irish author James Joyce, which follows the life and artistic development of young Stephen Dedalus. In it, Joyce explores life in Ireland at the time, as Stephen grows up and finds his way in the world. We follow as he attends college, battles with religion, engages in social and political intrigues, and suffers the embarrassments that come with adolescence, as the young poet struggles to find his direction in life. Semi-autobiographical, ''A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'' is a fascinating insight into life in 20th century Ireland, as well as into the development of Joyce the writer too.