Soulmate of James Joyce, J. M. Synge (1871-1909) is famous as the author of Playboy of the Western World, which provoked riots at its Dublin premiere in 1907. But the man himself, his peculiar religious background, and little-investigated death, have, until now, remained in the shadows. W. J. McCormack here recreates the complex religious and social environment in which Synge refined his talents as a writer. Placing Synge"s life firmly in the context of the cultural revolution unfolding in Europe, this fresh and lively account will stand as the authoritative biography of this great writer.