A closer look

The man who pioneered confusing modernist literature with 'Ulysses' was essentially brought to his knees by a passing golden retriever. James Joyce had a severe phobia of dogs, known as cynophobia, which started when he was bitten by one in his youth. The towering intellectual giant would actively hide behind his friends if a stray pup trotted down the street, proving that a genius intellect is no match for a wagging tail.