“I have learned,” said the Philosopher, “that the head does not hear anything until the heart has listened, and that what the heart knows to-day, the head will understand to-morrow.”

Interesting ideas sparkle throughout this novel. Here are two examples: “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will” and “…for life may not be consecutive, but explosive and variable, else it is a shackled and timorous slave.” It was written a hundred years ago by an Irish poet and novelist who was inspired by the visionary poet William Blake. The language in this book is often luminous. It sold very well, which allowed Stephens to move to Paris, where he became close friends with James Joyce. Can you imagine their wild conversations? I bet sparks lit the air.

Stephens, James. The Crock of Gold. First published in 1912. This edition was independently published in 2022, p. 102.