Stephens, James (1882?-1950), was an Irish author. He was regarded chiefly as a poet, but his best-known work is the novel The Crock of Gold (1912), which gained him his first literary recognition. This story of a leprechaun is an original blend of fantasy, humor, and realism. Like much of Stephens’ other writing, The Crock of Gold draws on Irish legend and folklore. His fiction and poetry have been described as sentimental, playful, and filled with whimsy. However, modern critics have also praised their subtle irony and satire.
Stephens was born into a poor family in Dublin and was educated in an orphanage. He later studied Irish culture, including Gaelic literature and art and Irish mythology. He strongly supported Irish independence from the United Kingdom. His major writings include Collected Poems (1926) and the novels Deirdre (1923) and In the Land of Youth (1924). Stephens died on Dec. 26, 1950.
