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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
25(25%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Like other studies of Ulysses, Gilbert’s book contains synopses of the actions in each chapter.

It also delves into the symbols and Homeric correspondences used in the work.

However, this study of James Joyce’s novel holds a special authority.

This is because Gilbert was a friend of Joyce and was able to receive suggestions from the novelist while creating this text.

The book was acquired in 1992 from The Word in Montreal, Quebec.

This connection to Joyce gives Gilbert’s study an added dimension and makes it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the complex and multi-layered world of Ulysses.

July 15,2025
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This work is

obviously essential for every Joycean. It indeed has its share of gems. However, it can be quite troubling when a writer directly tells you what his book means. In this particular case, it is even more so as it assists another writer in doing so, going through the book episode by episode, page by page, symbol by symbol, and incident by incident.

Certainly, it emphasizes the depth of the Homeric references. This has made me appreciate them more than I did before. The text is easily readable, except for those moments when it sometimes slips into Greek, Latin, French, Italian, or German.

No doubt, it is of the most use for neophytes to "Ulysses". It provides them with a detailed guide to understanding the complex and multi-layered work. It helps them to navigate through the various elements and themes, and gain a better appreciation of Joyce's masterpiece.
July 15,2025
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Ulysses is truly an astonishing work that can also be quite frustrating.

It presents a complex and multi-layered narrative that challenges the reader at every turn.

For me, at least, it seems almost impossible to fully appreciate the depth and beauty of Ulysses without having this particular book as a guide.

The literary techniques employed by the author are so intricate and the language so rich that without some form of assistance, one can easily become lost in the maze of words.

This guidebook serves as a valuable companion, helping to untangle the various threads of the story and providing insights into the author's intentions.

It allows the reader to better understand the historical and cultural context in which the novel was written, as well as the significance of the many allusions and references scattered throughout the text.

With the help of this guide, I have been able to gain a deeper appreciation for Ulysses and have come to realize just how remarkable a work of literature it truly is.
July 15,2025
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If you truly desire a deeper comprehension of Ulysses, this is really essential reading.

It is not precisely an annotation. Instead, it serves to demystify the structure and maps out the structure as well as the structural parallels between this story and others.

It was written under the supervision of Joyce, and thus I have confidence in its credibility.

This work provides valuable insights into the complex and often enigmatic world of Ulysses. By clarifying the structure and highlighting the parallels, it makes it easier for readers to navigate and understand the story.

Whether you are a seasoned Joyce scholar or a newcomer to his works, this reading can enhance your appreciation and understanding of Ulysses.

It offers a unique perspective that can help you see the story in a new light and uncover its hidden meanings and connections.

So, if you want to gain a better understanding of Ulysses, don't miss out on this essential reading.
July 15,2025
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This really helped a great deal,

because I have absolutely no knowledge at all about Irish history.

Irish history is a complex and rich tapestry that dates back thousands of years.

It is filled with tales of ancient civilizations, invasions, rebellions, and struggles for independence.

Learning about Irish history can provide valuable insights into the culture, traditions, and values of the Irish people.

It can also help us understand the present-day situation in Ireland and its relationship with the rest of the world.

By expanding our knowledge of Irish history, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this fascinating country and its people.

So, this assistance has been extremely beneficial in filling the void in my understanding of Irish history.
July 15,2025
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Stuart Gilbert, you are truly an amazing person.

I just want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you.

Without your unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement, I simply couldn't have achieved what I have.

You have been there for me through thick and thin, always believing in my abilities even when I doubted myself.

Your knowledge and expertise have been invaluable, and I have learned so much from you.

I will always remember the countless hours we spent together, working towards our common goal.

Thank you, Stuart Gilbert, from the bottom of my heart.

I couldn't have done it without you.
July 15,2025
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At the beginning, it may seem hard to get into this book. The initial pages might feel a bit challenging to engage with. However, as you persevere and continue reading, you will discover that it is truly an amazing book.


The story unfolds in a way that gradually draws you in, captivating your attention and making you eager to know what happens next. The characters are well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motives.


The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting vivid pictures in your mind as you read. You can almost feel as if you are a part of the story, experiencing the events and emotions along with the characters.


Despite the initial difficulty, the rewards of reading this book are well worth it. It will leave you with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to recommend it to others. So, don't be deterred by the initial hurdle - pick up this amazing book and embark on a wonderful literary journey.

July 15,2025
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This book is of great assistance if you have an interest in the parallels between Homer's Odyssey and Ulysses. It holds a unique position as the only guide that Joyce provided help with. As a result, it delves deeply into the various symbols and techniques employed in each episode.

However, I awarded the book three stars for several reasons. Firstly, I noticed that there are problematic assumptions regarding race and women throughout the text. These assumptions can be quite concerning and may impact the overall perception of the work.

Secondly, the book quotes large blocks of text, which can be rather frustrating and may even impede the analysis. This excessive quoting can make it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the author's ideas and interpretations.

For the more casual reader, I would highly recommend Harry Blamire's The New Bloomsday Book. This book is more helpful as it focuses on what is actually happening in the episodes and does not rely on lengthy quotations. It provides a more accessible and engaging reading experience, making it a great choice for those who are new to the subject or simply looking for a more straightforward analysis.

Overall, while this book has its merits, it also has some不足之处 that should be taken into consideration. The problematic assumptions and excessive quoting may make it less suitable for some readers, but for those who are willing to overlook these issues, it can still provide valuable insights into the parallels between Homer's Odyssey and Ulysses.
July 15,2025
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This book makes me feel extremely small and utterly useless.

James Joyce is just far too outstanding. His writing skills are simply remarkable, and the way he constructs the story and develops the characters is beyond compare.

This book is far too amazing. It takes the reader on a journey through a complex and vivid world, filled with rich language and profound themes.

Every page is a delight to read, yet at the same time, it makes me realize how much more I have to learn as a writer.

I am in awe of Joyce's talent and this book serves as a constant reminder of the high standards that I should strive for.

It is truly a masterpiece that will be studied and admired for generations to come.
July 15,2025
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This book is definitely an essential read for the Joycean in your life.

It is truly illuminating and insightful, offering a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the works of James Joyce.

However, it is important to be aware that it was written 50 years ago.

During that time, more Joyce readers also had a command of languages such as Latin, Greek, French, and German.

This means that the book may assume a certain level of language proficiency and cultural knowledge on the part of the reader.

Nonetheless, it remains a valuable resource for those interested in delving deeper into the world of Joyce and his complex literary works.

Whether you are a seasoned Joyce scholar or a newcomer to his writing, this book is sure to provide you with new perspectives and a greater appreciation for his genius.

So, if you know someone who is passionate about Joyce, this book would make an excellent gift.

It is a must-have for any serious student of Joyce or anyone interested in the history and evolution of modern literature.
July 15,2025
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I stopped at page 50, when I could no longer tolerate the idolization of Joyce.

Yes, he indeed wrote a very complex and innovative (and kind of fun) novel/anti-novel.

No, I firmly don't think that anyone is justified in seeing it as faultless and always-intentionally meaningful.

Especially given the fact that the introduction to the edition I read went into great detail regarding the (supposedly) misguided edits made to the text (some of which Joyce himself corrected).

AND Attridge's casebook on Ulysses said that (contrary to the formatting of the "perfected" edition I read...) Joyce never meant for the chapters (or, to be more pretentious, "episodes") to be numbered.

This makes me question the whole perception and treatment of Joyce's work.

Just because a work is complex and innovative doesn't mean it should be blindly worshipped.

We need to analyze and evaluate it objectively, taking into account all the aspects such as the editing history and the author's original intentions.

Maybe we have been misled by the glorification of Joyce and need to reexamine his work with a more critical eye.
July 15,2025
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This book, which was written in collaboration with James Joyce, stands as an outstanding guide to Ulysses.

Gilbert had an in-depth and intimate familiarity with the text. His direct access to Joyce gave this work a truly unique quality, setting it apart from other Ulysses-related contributions.

The collaboration between Gilbert and Joyce brought together two great minds, resulting in a book that offers valuable insights and interpretations of Ulysses.

Whether you are a die-hard Joyce fan or a newcomer to his works, this guide is highly recommended. It provides a wealth of information and analysis that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of this literary masterpiece.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore Ulysses with the help of this excellent guide.
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