This book did not offer a great deal of assistance in guiding me through Ulysses.

In fact, I firmly believe that I could have benefited from a proper guide to this particular book.

The author appears to make the assumption that we are all capable of reading multiple languages.

This assumption, however, might not hold true for many readers.

It would have been more beneficial if the book had included more explanations and interpretations to help those who are not well-versed in multiple languages.

As it stands, without such additional support, it can be quite challenging to fully understand and appreciate the depth and complexity of Ulysses.

Perhaps a revised edition could address these issues and provide a more accessible reading experience for a wider audience.

Overall, while the book may have some merits, it falls short in effectively guiding readers through the intricate world of Ulysses.

It’s truly difficult to resist the allure of a guide to Ulysses that is endorsed by Joyce himself. However, there are moments when I can't help but wonder if Joyce's approval of this book might have been a bit of a joke. I'm almost certain that he parodied Gilbert's pedantic and tiresome style somewhere within Ulysses.

This book appears to be mainly a series of lengthy quotations from the novel. Initially, these quotations were likely worth including since, at the time of this book's publication, Ulysses was not widely available to most readers due to censorship. But unfortunately, it becomes repetitive, and Gilbert often fails to add much value to the text of the novel itself.

I attempt not to get overly upset by the male chauvinism of other eras (after all, this book was first published in 1930), but it is so blatant here that I simply can't avoid a mini-rant. Gilbert begins his chapter on Molly Bloom's soliloquy with the patronizing statement, “And the comment of the average woman on this, the last episode of Ulysses, is apt to run: 'How true - of that class of woman, with which, thank goodness, I have nothing in common!'” He then quotes another critic's assessment of Molly's chapter.

I'm glad Gilbert and his cohorts seem to have figured out how all women think, apparently just by using Molly Bloom's magical key to unlock the feminine mind. I really like the “Penelope” chapter, but not because I believe Joyce succinctly sums up the thoughts of all women. Instead, he creates a nuanced and multilayered portrayal of Molly herself. It's frustrating to read an analysis where the male characters are allowed to be multidimensional individuals, while the female characters (and readers) are reduced to archetypes and stereotypes. I don't think that in any way reflects what Joyce actually accomplished in Ulysses.

Putting aside my rant, Gilbert does provide some useful information in his study. He presents the structural framework of the novel, breaking down the episodes and their art, colors, symbols, and so on. He also elaborates on the numerous mythological references. Today's readers, fortunately, have the luxury of accessing the actual novel, which is far more enjoyable to read than this book.

This is definitely helping my attempt to understand Ulysses.

Ulysses is a complex and profound work that requires careful study and analysis. By delving into its various aspects, such as the characters, themes, and narrative structure, I am able to gain a deeper appreciation for the genius of James Joyce.

The more I explore Ulysses, the more I realize how much there is to discover. Each chapter offers new insights and perspectives, and I find myself constantly going back to re-read certain passages.

With the help of this resource, I am able to clarify my understanding of some of the more difficult concepts and ideas presented in the novel. It is like having a guide by my side, leading me through the labyrinth of Joyce's mind.

I am confident that as I continue to study Ulysses, my understanding will grow and deepen, and I will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this literary masterpiece.

I am reading this for school, specifically for a class on Joyce's Ulysses.

Ulysses is a truly remarkable and complex novel that has had a profound impact on the literary world.

This text is considered to be a pretty key one in the interpretation of that book. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help us better understand the various themes, characters, and literary devices employed by Joyce.

Moreover, it serves as an extremely useful academic tool. It allows students and scholars alike to delve deeper into the text, analyze its nuances, and engage in meaningful discussions and research.

Not only that, but it can also be regarded as a micro-cultural milestone. It reflects the social, cultural, and historical context in which Joyce was writing, and provides a window into the minds and experiences of the people of that time.

Overall, this text is an essential resource for anyone interested in Joyce's Ulysses and the study of literature in general.

The first line is truly the best ever. It grabs your attention right from the start and makes you eager to read on.

Then, as you progress through the text, you encounter all that wonderful and engaging content in between. It's like a journey filled with interesting ideas, vivid descriptions, and captivating stories.

And finally, when you reach the last line, it leaves you with a sense of satisfaction and a lasting impression. It ties everything together perfectly and makes you realize that this piece of writing is truly something special.

From the very beginning to the very end, it's a masterpiece that showcases the power of words and the art of storytelling.

Whether it's a novel, a poem, or an article, having a great first line, a captivating middle, and a memorable last line is essential for creating a truly outstanding piece of writing.

So this book seems to be inspired by two factors.

First, Joyce collaborated with Gilbert on this, and he desired to record the main interpretations in an influential location. This indeed proved successful.

Second, Gilbert aimed to have a significant portion of the prose published in England and America when the book was prohibited and before people had read much of it.

And this also worked. Understanding Joyce's novel through the Odyssey is now the norm, perhaps even a bit tiresome. However, that is important as it does offer one access point to what is often a challenging novel.

The long passages quoted in the book (up to half of it) do provide a rather good sense of the different styles. Nevertheless, they are expurgated. The novel is far more bawdy than what one would gather from reading Gilbert's perspective. Now, he is aware of this and provides hints that he is censoring things. On the other hand, it gives the reader plenty to discover within the novel itself.

So, in some respects, it functions as a glorified 400-page sanitized Cliff Notes for Ulysses. But that's fine. I read it while reading Joyce, staying a couple of episodes behind, so that when I reached the chapter in Gilbert, my memory was refreshed. And, yes, I could notice some things that I had missed while working through the novel. So, indeed, it was helpful.

Ulysses is a highly regarded and complex literary work.

For those who wish to embark on the journey of reading this masterpiece, having an indispensable guide is of utmost importance.

A good guide can help readers navigate through the intricate web of characters, themes, and narrative structures.

It can provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context in which the novel was written, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the work.

The guide can also offer interpretations and analyses of the various literary devices used by the author, such as symbolism, stream of consciousness, and allusion.

By following the guidance of a reliable source, readers can gain a deeper and more meaningful experience from reading Ulysses, uncovering the hidden layers of meaning and beauty within the text.

Whether you are a seasoned literature enthusiast or a beginner, having an indispensable guide for reading Ulysses is essential to fully engage with this remarkable work of art.

The oldest of the commentaries on Ulysses, written with the support of Joyce himself, is a remarkable work.

I am certain that there are now 'better' books available that offer a more comprehensive overview of Joyce's work and its impact. However, this was the one I acquired second-hand.

Truth be told, I couldn't have made it through Ulysses without it. Yes, there are an abundance of long quotes, but it was written during a time when Ulysses was still banned. As a result, it allowed people to get a sense of what they were lacking. Moreover, it did clarify a great deal that I had missed or simply couldn't fathom.

One aspect that really struck me was that Gilbert, and by extension Joyce too, anticipated the reader to possess a certain level of education. They envisioned a classical education at a private school, with a profound knowledge of Greek and Latin, as well as most European languages. Gilbert asserts that one needs to have read The Odyssey first in its original form, as translations don't do it justice. He insists that this is effortless, all one needs is a dictionary - fluency in ancient Greek is simply assumed. Similarly, Gilbert includes lengthy quotations from European writers in their original languages - there are no translations provided, and you are expected to be able to read Flaubert in French. Sadly, none of this was part of my curriculum at my local comprehensive school. I simply had to skip those sections. This does imply that Ulysses becomes even more elitist, much like a great deal of Modernist writing, such as Eliot's, which is truly a pity.

Beautiful writing.

However, it is over my head.

Although reading The Odyssey has been of some help, it is not sufficient.

The words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and enchanting world.

Yet, I find myself struggling to fully understand and appreciate the depth and complexity of the text.

Perhaps with more study and reflection, I will be able to unlock the secrets hidden within these beautiful lines.

For now, I am left in awe of the author's talent and the power of the written word.

I look forward to the day when I can truly comprehend and be moved by this remarkable piece of literature.

Until then, I will continue to explore and learn, hoping to one day reach a level of understanding that allows me to fully embrace the beauty and wonder of this work.

Gilbert believes that he has completely understood the text. However, most of his parallels with the Odyssey seem rather forced. He has a tendency to go on and on about his own theories, and some of his ideas are quite amusing, albeit unintentionally, due to his skewed perceptions of class and gender.

Nevertheless, his work does provide useful frameworks and the perspective of one of Joyce's contemporaries. It can offer valuable insights into the mind of someone who was living during the same time as Joyce and was familiar with the cultural and social context in which Joyce was writing.

Despite its flaws, Gilbert's analysis can still be a useful tool for those studying Joyce's work, as it can help to shed light on aspects of the text that might otherwise be overlooked.

Read this concurrently with my first reading of Ulysses. Gilbert published this work at a time when the actual text he was commenting on was not widely accessible. As a result, half or more of this book consists of excerpts from Ulysses. While there were certain aspects of his commentary that I found beneficial, on the whole, I didn't believe it offered the depth required for my initial reading. There are surely better and more contemporary guides available. If I ever decide to pick up Ulysses again, it's highly likely that I'll search for them.

Perhaps with a more in-depth and current guide, I would have been able to better understand the complex and multi-layered nature of Ulysses. Gilbert's work, while containing some useful insights, seemed to fall short in providing a comprehensive analysis. It's possible that as time has passed, new perspectives and interpretations have emerged that could enhance my understanding of this classic novel. I look forward to exploring these possibilities in the future and delving deeper into the world of Ulysses.

This may have been a literary classic. However, when the story is so extremely difficult to understand, even when taking into account the accompanying analytical commentary, it is a clear indication that the book has outlived its usefulness.

After reading this book, I now have a profound understanding of what my novel would consist of if I were to write it completely under the influence of a powerful narcotic.

The account of a day in the lives of two people could not have been told in a more cryptic manner. For this sole reason, it simply cannot be considered a classic in my eyes.

It seems that the once lauded qualities of this work have now become its downfall, as the convoluted narrative and lack of clarity make it a less than enjoyable and accessible read.

Perhaps in a different era, this style of writing was highly regarded, but in today's literary landscape, it fails to resonate with modern readers.

As I reflect on this experience, I am reminded of the importance of creating stories that are engaging, understandable, and relevant to the times.