This is a very clear and accessible guide. I bought my copy in Dublin where there was a greater choice of commentaries. I felt that this one was by far the best combination of interpretation and introduction to the complexities of Joyce's masterpiece.

The author is disarmingly modest from the very beginning. He refers to "Joyceans" as if they are much more advanced scholars than himself. However, he makes it clear that he keeps specialist theories out of the book.

Newcomers to "Ulysses" should find Blamires's explanation of the Cyclops and Circe chapters particularly helpful. Although there is a great deal to be learned here about all of the episodes. His enthusiasm made me want to re-read what seemed to be minor chapters of "Ulysses". In this outcome, Harry Blamires can be seen to achieve his stated aim of increasing Joyce's readership.

Overall, this guide is a valuable resource for both new and experienced readers of Joyce's "Ulysses". It provides a clear and engaging introduction to the novel's many complexities, while also offering valuable insights and interpretations. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a lover of great literature, this guide is well worth reading.

Censorious, dull, inaccurate, and sloppy - these are the words that come to mind when describing this book. It seems to rip the joy out of "Ulysses" and serve up the corpse for the reader to choke on.

There are anachronistic comparisons to other works. For example, the trial sequence in the whorehouse chapter is compared to Kafka's "The Trial" as an influence, even though Kafka's work didn't appear in German until after "Ulysses" was published. There are also references to T. S. Eliot poems that had yet to be written, much less published.

When information about Joyce's thought behind the work appears, it is often badly edited to fit Blamires's interpretation of the text. Reading the original source in full makes it clear that this fit should have more flexibility.

In addition, Blamires edits at least one of Joyce's letters quoted in the book to remove profanity and sexual slang. This changes the flow and meaning of the letter and misleads the reader's interpretation, which is not good scholarship.

Moreover, there is an unfortunate tendency to handle anything scandalous with kid gloves. At times, Blamires's writing is so convoluted in its attempts to imply what happened rather than actually stating it that it's easier to understand by reading the relevant page of "Ulysses" without paying attention to his commentary.

A quick search on Blamires reveals that he is an Anglican theologian formerly tutored by C. S. Lewis. While correlation doesn't necessarily mean causation, it makes me wonder if his religious objections as a Christian to adultery and profanity are part of the reason why his writing becomes so tortured and his scholarship becomes slip-shod when addressing these subjects.

And let's not forget that for a reader's guide, it does almost nothing to translate the multiple languages used in the text, even when there's a whole page written in languages other than English.

"Ulysses" is an extremely complicated book, and a reader's guide can be very helpful. I was assigned this work on my second major read, and I have to say that it was helpful - to a certain extent. But beyond that point, the book was misleading and didn't meet the expectations it raised.

If this book didn't exist, Ulysses would be greatly incomplete.

It shows all the details, the allusions, the parallels, and the connections between the sections. There are explanations section by section, page by page. You can read them simultaneously with Ulysses or at the end of each section. Thanks to this, I had an experience of reading Ulysses where all the pieces fit into place without asking "what just happened?" I highly recommend it.

This book serves as an essential companion to Ulysses, providing valuable insights and clarifications that enhance the overall reading experience. It helps the reader navigate through the complex and often challenging text of Ulysses, making it more accessible and enjoyable. Whether you are a first-time reader or a seasoned scholar, this book is a must-have.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of one of the greatest works of literature with the help of this wonderful guide.

This is an outstanding guide to Joyce's Ulysses.

It manages to bring out numerous points that the average reader would most likely overlook.

Joyce's Ulysses is a notoriously difficult masterpiece, and if one is willing to invest the time and effort to grapple with it, this guidebook becomes truly invaluable.

It offers insights and interpretations that can enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the complex text.

Whether it's uncovering hidden themes, analyzing the characters in greater depth, or exploring the unique narrative structure, this guide provides a wealth of information.

It serves as a companion that can help the reader navigate through the challenges of Ulysses and discover the richness and beauty that lies within this literary classic.

The statement "useful, but a bit too heavy on the Christian interpretations. What do you want from a Jesuit?" seems to suggest that while something may have some value, it leans too much towards a Christian perspective.

Jesuits are known for their deep religious beliefs and commitment to spreading the teachings of Christianity. However, it is important to note that they also bring a wealth of knowledge and skills in various fields such as education, social justice, and spirituality.

When interacting with Jesuits or engaging with their work, it is possible to appreciate the useful aspects while also being aware of the potential influence of their religious interpretations. It is up to the individual to decide how to balance and integrate these different elements according to their own beliefs and values.

In conclusion, while the Christian interpretations of Jesuits may be prominent, it is possible to find value in their work and contributions while also maintaining an open and critical perspective.

Oh, what a sad and soulless little dressed-up cliff's note of a fauxbook :/.

It's truly a disappointment to see such a thing. This so-called "fauxbook" seems to be nothing more than a pale imitation, lacking the depth and authenticity that a real book should have.

It's like a cheap knockoff, trying to pass itself off as the real deal. The dressing-up is just a superficial attempt to make it look more appealing, but it fails to hide the fact that it's empty on the inside.

One can't help but feel sorry for those who might be misled by this sad excuse for a book. It's a reminder that in a world full of imitations, it's important to be able to distinguish the real from the fake.

We should always strive for authenticity and depth in our reading materials, rather than settling for something that is just a hollow shell.

Let's hope that in the future, more genuine and meaningful books will be created, and that this kind of soulless fauxbook will fade away into oblivion.

If you are engaged in reading Ulysses and desire to have a better comprehension of it without driving yourself to the brink of insanity, then this is the very book for you.

It is concise and presents facts in a straightforward manner, yet it remains fairly comprehensive. It offers you a convincing quantity of cross-referenced citations that pertain to Joyce's decisions as a writer. These citations are not excessive or filled with fanciful pontificating. Instead, they are highly beneficial, especially in chapters like Circe, where they assist greatly in understanding what on earth is happening.

If you are quasi-serious about both reading and understanding Ulysses, it would be advisable to set aside the Gifford and Gilbert texts for later readings. However, I do recommend using the Oxford version of Ulysses, which comes with its own excellent annotations while referring to this guide.

Happily, Blamires also provides page references for the Gabler, Penguin, and Oxford editions throughout the book, making it even more convenient for readers to navigate and enhance their understanding of this complex literary work.

Essential reading for Ulysses virgins! This guide is truly a gem. It mainly focuses on Joyce's allegorical use of Homer's Odyssey. However, regardless of your specific interest in Joyce's symbolic enigmas, the NBE is extremely helpful. It provides some structure to those who feel completely lost and overwhelmed by the vast scope of his work. As someone not well-versed in the nuances of the Judeo-Christian religions, this guide was a great aid to me. It pointed out many 'obvious' symbols that other guides simply gloss over. When I was writing my Honours dissertation on Joyce's use of Celtic mythology, especially the representations of the goddess figure, this book was my constant companion. I'm certain that I would not have been able to survive that ordeal without it. Of course, it should not be the only guide to Joyce's work. But it is definitely one of the most comprehensive and concise resource materials that I came across during my research.

I have never read any of these books before. In the past, my reading choices were quite limited, and I simply overlooked these particular volumes. However, something has changed within me. Now, I am determined to read them all of the time. I have a newfound curiosity and eagerness to explore the worlds and ideas contained within these pages. I believe that by delving into these books, I will gain valuable knowledge, expand my vocabulary, and enhance my understanding of different perspectives. Every spare moment I have, I will pick up one of these books and lose myself in its narrative. I am excited about the journey that lies ahead and look forward to the many discoveries and experiences that these books will bring.

I'll admit it.

I'm a chump.

ULYSSES is an extremely hard read for me.

At the end of each chapter, I've been referring back to both THE NEW BLOOMSDAY BOOK and a few chapter summaries on the internet.

They've been truly helpful, because there is SO much that I have missed in ULYSSES (hence seeing myself as a chump).

BLOOMSDAY is easy to read, and it's a super helpful resource for people in my position.

It gives a good, clear summary and analysis of the book.

Some folks might poo-poo it for being too simple.

Sure, it's like ULYSSES FOR DUMMIES, but that's okay.

I'm a dummy when it comes to understanding the complexity of ULYSSES.

Despite its simplicity, BLOOMSDAY has been a great aid in my journey to try and make sense of this challenging literary work.

It helps me to fill in the gaps and gain a better understanding of the overall story and its themes.

Without it, I would probably be completely lost in the maze of Joyce's words.

So, even though some may look down on it, I'm grateful for BLOOMSDAY and its role in helping me with my reading of ULYSSES.

The Colt 1421V is truly an indispensable item. It holds a charm that can sometimes make it even more enjoyable than Ulysses itself. Joyce might have had his own masterpieces, but the Colt 1421V has its own allure.

It has a unique presence that cannot be ignored. Whether it's for its functionality or its aesthetic appeal, the Colt 1421V stands out.

It's not just an ordinary object; it's a source of joy and excitement. Sorry not sorry to Joyce, but the Colt 1421V has its own place in the hearts of those who appreciate its qualities.

It's a remarkable piece that continues to captivate and delight.

I chanced upon a second-hand copy of The Bloomsday Book, which inspired me to reread Ulysses for the second time. During my initial reading, I simply plowed through it, mainly to soak up the cadence of the language. While I relished certain parts immensely, I was utterly perplexed by others. (The chapter Oxen of the Sun was truly a beast.)

Reading Blamires' breakdown prior to commencing a new chapter has made the book far more enjoyable. I perceive his summaries and analyses to be of just the right profundity, enabling me to successfully traverse and make sense of the work without feeling overly burdened. I highly recommend this approach, particularly for first-time readers.