Ulysses

One of the most important works of modernist literature, James Joyce’s "Ulysses" was originally published in serial format from 1918 to 1920 and then published in a single edition in 1922, which this edition is drawn from. "Ulysses" chronicles the passage of Leopold Bloom through Dublin during an ordinary day, June 16, 1904. While the novel appears largely unstructured at first glance it is in fact very closely paralleled to Homer’s "Odyssey", containing eighteen episodes that correspond to various parts of Homer’s work. Filled with experimental forms of prose, stream of consciousness, puns, parodies, and allusions that Joyce himself hoped would “keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant”. This expansive work is considered one of the great works of English literature and a must read for fans of the modernist genre. Annotated by critical introduction about the author.

Ulysses has been the subject of controversy since copies of the first English edition were burned by the New York Post Office Authorities. Today critical interest centers on the authority of the text. This edition republishes, for the first time, without interference, the original 1922 text. Jeri Johnson's critical Introduction demystifies the complexities of the book, and a full textual publication history, helpful appendices, and explanatory notes guide the reader through this highly allusive text.

New York Times Book Review

Ulysses is the most important contribution that has been made to fictional literature in the twentieth century. . . It is likely that there is no one writing English today that could parallel Mr. Joyce's feat, and it is also likely that few would care to do it were it capable. -- Books of the Century; New York Times review, May 1922

SUMMARY: One of the most important works of modernist literature, James Joyce's "Ulysses" was originally published in serial format from 1918 to 1920 and then published in a single edition in 1922, which this edition is drawn from. "Ulysses" chronicles the passage of Leopold Bloom through Dublin during an ordinary day, June 16, 1904. While the novel appears largely unstructured at first glance it is in fact very closely paralleled to Homer's "Odyssey," containing eighteen episodes that correspond to various parts of Homer's work. Filled with experimental forms of prose, stream of consciousness, puns, parodies, and allusions that Joyce himself hoped would "keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant." This expansive work is considered one of the great works of English literature and a must read for fans of the modernist genre.