I think there are superior and more up-to-date companion books to Ulysses compared to Gilbert's approach. While I did find his work somewhat useful, it also seemed a bit excessive in some aspects. The scholarly tone often detracts from the enjoyment of Joyce's masterpiece.

Some of the more recent companion books openly recognize the great humor present in Ulysses, whereas Gilbert is more focused on uncovering the academic treasures. Nevertheless, without his assistance, I would not have been able to understand certain Irish historical allusions or Catholic jargon.

For this reason, it is still worthwhile to have his book on hand, especially when there are no other suitable guides available.

It serves as a valuable resource, despite its limitations, and can enhance one's understanding and appreciation of Joyce's complex and profound work.

Incredible, extraordinary, phenomenal - these are the only words that can truly do justice to describe the number one book of all time.

This book has captivated readers across generations and around the world. Its pages are filled with a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.

The author's masterful writing style draws you in from the very first sentence and keeps you hooked until the very end. You become completely immersed in the world that has been created, feeling every emotion and living every moment along with the characters.

It is not just a book, but a work of art that has stood the test of time. It has inspired countless others and continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment for people of all ages.

Truly, this is a book that is worthy of the title "number one of all time".

I can't help but put up a review of this guide.

This book, which dates back to 1930, has its moments of helpfulness. However, one has to wade through Stuart Gilbert's chauvinistic, priggish snobbery to reach those moments. Its cultural outlook, as well as its literary analysis and criticism, are incredibly dated.

The book is full of bizarre asides, mostly directed at women and leftists. Ultimately, it reads like something Joyce himself would have lampooned. It is turgid, filled with untranslated references in Greek, Latin, and French. One can't help but imagine Gilbert masturbating gently as he wrote this, with each new footnote referencing an obscure piece of German scholarship bringing him closer and closer to completion.

There are surely better guides available. Although I admit that I found this one useful for providing a general "plot" or progression to follow, and its sustained coverage of links with The Odyssey was also beneficial, the end notes in my Oxford World's Classics edition of Ulysses were at least equally helpful. Moreover, they were written by scholar Jeri Johnson (a woman), rather than this fossilized old cretin.

While I am well aware that Joyce's portrayals of women are complex (a polite way of saying that they have their issues), Gilbert's reading of the text is so blatantly sexist that it seems his own narrow worldview blinded him to Joyce's subtler critiques of the woman's position in Irish Catholic Ireland in 1904 (and post-WWI). This led him to make one of the most reductive readings possible of the novel's infamous final chapter that focuses on Molly Bloom.

“Informative and helpful book to better understand Joyce's Ulysses.” This concise description points towards a valuable resource for those who wish to delve deeper into the complex and influential work of James Joyce.

Ulysses is a notoriously challenging novel, filled with dense language, multiple narrative voices, and a rich tapestry of literary allusions. A book that claims to be informative and helpful in understanding it can be a godsend for readers.

Such a book might offer detailed analyses of the novel's structure, themes, and characters. It could provide insights into Joyce's writing style and the historical and cultural context in which Ulysses was written.

By reading this informative and helpful book, readers can enhance their appreciation and comprehension of Joyce's masterpiece. They can gain a deeper understanding of the novel's significance and its place in the canon of modern literature.

In conclusion, if you are looking to better understand Joyce's Ulysses, this informative and helpful book could be an essential addition to your reading list.

If you are in search of a guide to Ulysses that doesn't possess the same density and overly-intellectual nature as the novel itself, then this particular guide might not be the one for you.

However, it holds the unique distinction of being the only "Joyce approved" guide, which makes it somewhat convenient to refer to, I suppose.

Oh, and here's an interesting point: the author quotes extensively in French, Latin, and Greek without providing any translations. This is quite hilarious because now, after reading the guide, I find myself even more confused about what is happening in Ulysses than I was prior to consulting it.

It seems that while this guide may have some merits in being Joyce-approved, its lack of translations and its potentially overwhelming nature might not make it the most accessible or helpful resource for those seeking a better understanding of the complex and challenging work that is Ulysses.

Again, his narrative may sometimes be dry and meandering. However, this book is truly beautiful.

As you embark on your journey with Leopold Bloom through Dublin, it becomes evident that the particular reveals the universal.

The story is filled with phrases and passages that are not only touching but also breathtakingly beautiful.

These literary gems have the power to move you deeply, sometimes even making you cry unexpectedly.

Despite the occasional drawbacks in the narrative style, the overall beauty and significance of the book cannot be denied.

It offers a unique and profound exploration of the human experience, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and complex city.

So, even though it may require some patience at times, the rewards of reading this book are well worth it.

Prepare to be captivated by the words and transported to a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

Discover the hidden depths and universal truths that lie within the pages of this remarkable literary work.

I recently saw Rory on "The Gilmore Girls" carrying around this particular edition.

It was truly a sight to behold. At first glance, I was certain that it was a visual joke cleverly devised by the director.

This edition was extremely tiny, almost comically so. Rory, with her characteristic nonchalance, casually dropped it into her bag as if it were just a regular beach novel.

It was quite a contrast to the way one might handle a more substantial and important book.

The small size of the edition added an element of lightheartedness and playfulness to the scene.

It made me wonder if there was some deeper meaning or symbolism behind it.

Perhaps it was meant to represent Rory's insatiable appetite for knowledge, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant the source.

Or maybe it was just a fun little detail that added to the charm and quirkiness of the show.

Either way, it definitely caught my attention and left a lasting impression.

A Classic!

A classic is a work that stands the test of time. It is a piece of art, literature, music, or any other form of creative expression that has endured and continues to be relevant and influential.

Classics have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and transport us to different worlds. They are not bound by the limitations of time or culture, but rather speak to the universal human experience.

Whether it is a novel like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, a painting like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, or a symphony like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, classics have a unique charm and beauty that cannot be replicated.

They are a source of inspiration for generations of artists, writers, and thinkers, and continue to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

In a world that is constantly changing, classics provide a sense of stability and continuity. They remind us of the values and ideals that have endured throughout history and give us a connection to the past.

So, the next time you encounter a classic, take the time to appreciate its beauty and significance. Let it inspire you and transport you to a world of imagination and wonder. For a classic is truly a masterpiece that will never go out of style.

Ulysses is truly one of those rare and iconic books that is the subject of much discussion yet often remains unread. [See Tristram Shandy, Fairie Queene, Finnegans Wake, In Search of Time Lost, and a few others.] This is the unfortunate reality for James Joyce's classic work. Finnegans Wake, in particular, stands in a class of its own within the realm of experimental/analytical literary fiction.

Here, nothing truly new may be said about this anti-novel. However, what can be emphasized is that it is not impenetrable. The book is not beyond the reach of the average reader. In fact, it is enjoyable, and Ulysses is most definitely well worth the read.

This is a book that demands time and patience. It is not a Stephen King pop tart, easily devoured and forgotten. Nor is it a Clive Barker cringe fest. It is not a popular novel to be wolfed down whole and excreted the next day. Ulysses takes time, but that time is well spent. Therefore, it is advisable to keep this one on your night table and read a few pages before going to sleep.

It is highly recommended for those with an interest in Ireland, experimental fiction, beautiful writing, and disturbing/enlightening characters.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

A Must Read!!!

An insightful (and at times, much needed!) companion to Ulysses, Gilbert's work offers a truly comprehensive and articulate overview.

The meandering plot of the novel is dissected with great precision, and the alluding references are carefully analyzed. Gilbert skillfully points out the numerous parallels, symbols, and allegories that are scattered throughout the text.

These elements not only add depth and complexity to the story but also inspire profound contemplation. By delving into these aspects, readers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the novel and its underlying themes.

Gilbert's work is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to explore the rich and complex world of Ulysses. It provides valuable insights and interpretations that enhance the reading experience and make the novel more accessible to a wider audience.

Stuart Gilbert was a significant figure in the world of literature. He made the first official translation of Ulysses into French for James Joyce. Joyce himself personally edited this translation, and it remains the version published by Folio in France. Gilbert was not only a translator but also a close collaborator and friend to Joyce.

I found this particular book to be extremely valuable as it is full of deep insights into what Joyce's intentions and inspirations were when writing Ulysses. Ulysses is indeed a challenging work to conquer, especially for the first-time reader. I myself have read it 4 or 5 times. This book, along with a few others, serves as a great companion in understanding Ulysses. It's important to note that I'm not a fan of play-by-play Cliff Notes. Instead, this book is more of a biography of Ulysses rather than a simple skeleton key. Overall, I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in delving deeper into the world of Joyce and his masterpiece, Ulysses.

It might be some time before this is attempted.

This statement implies that there is a task or action that is not going to be carried out immediately. There could be various reasons for this delay. Maybe there are preliminary preparations that need to be made, or perhaps there are external factors that are hindering the progress.

It could also be that the person or group responsible for the attempt is waiting for the right moment or for certain conditions to be met.

Nevertheless, the fact that it is being considered at all indicates that there is some level of interest or importance attached to it.

Even though it may not happen soon, the idea is still being kept alive, and it is possible that it will eventually be realized.

For now, we can only wait and see when this attempt will actually take place.