Ulysses by James Joyce: Great Books Explained

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This video is dedicated to my great friends, and Joyce aficionado's Jean and Derry O'Sullivan.
Even before James Joyce’s Ulysses was published it was causing trouble. Short excerpts appeared in a review magazine, and the US postal service claiming it was pornography refused to deliver the magazines and then burnt all the copies.
Any publisher that thought about publishing Ulysses had to weigh up the possibility of being prosecuted for obscenity against the potential of bringing a masterpiece into the world. Most publishers wouldn’t touch it, but Sylvia Beach, owner of the Shakespeare and Co. bookshop in Paris, decided the risk was worth taking, and in 1922 Ulysses was published in Paris.
It is famously hard to read, and many never finish it, but the novel would go on to triumph over the criticism and censorship, to become one of the most highly regarded works of art in the 20th century.
Nothing much happens in Ulysses, two men wander around Dublin, and a woman lies in bed thinking, that’s it! But it is the story telling, the language and the humour that makes it a work of genius.
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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Adriana Nemet, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Pavel Juszczyk, Sean Welgemoed, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, Tyler Wittreich and Will Dew's-Power.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo (gracias!)
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Oscar Sidoff Rydelius (Thank you!)
ACTORS
Aonghus Weber @cityactors
Helen Sheehan
"Theme" music: JS Bach “Sonata for violin solo No.1 in G Minor”
Other - Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
Clip of Dublin: Dermot O'Brien
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@charlawillson5654]

My father, a WWII surgeon, a genius in his own right, memorized this. Unbelievable.

[@jeremygaynor2410]

Asperghers

[@csvane11]

memorized Ulysses?

[@andreselectrico]

I read the book when I was very young. Now, as a still-young but already seasoned middle-aged person :), I think I have to read it again. It must be a different experience when you read this work at this stage of your life, a point when you have already abandoned any hope for immortality, have a long relationship behind you, have children to take care of, and know that having them means, at the same time, happiness and entering the world of those who have a lot to lose. You also know, for certain, that you will have to make concessions, that you won't be a hero, and that you have nothing under control. I have to read this great work again. This is a great channel. Please do more content like this. The world needs it.

[@javelinpix]

So true and thoughtful. I'm 72 and can vouch.

[@Uluc-cg4tm]

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream...

[@magdamoyano5616]

Let keep us men and women of good will keep lifting the rock of Sysiphus, remembering Joyce's words: "In the particular is contained the universal".

[@greatbooksexplained371]

It is important for a new channel that you please leave a comment (what book are you reading now? What is your favourite book etc), as it helps promote the channel! I REALLY appreciate your continued support - and WECOME to Great Books Explained!

[@landontalkington230]

Reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley for the first time.

[@GreatArtExplained]

@@landontalkington230 Frankenstein is being researched now!

[@stevej9058]

The Great Gatsby. In my opinion, it is the most beautifully written work of literature. Like Joyce said, it is isn't what was written, but how.

[@kjcs_1896]

Try some Dostoevsky. Or Kafka. Maybe do The Little Prince. Either way, I will be following this channel.

[@Duckduckduckgivemeapickle]

As a lover of books and art history I am so hyped! Books id love to see a video on: (just a whole list of my favourites 😭 classics and non-classics) Never let me go - by Kazuo Ishiguro Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood The Heart’s Invisible Furies - John Boyne The Book Thief - Markus Zusak Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger The Odyssey - Homer Giovanni’s Room - James Baldwin The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka Dune - Frank Herbert I’m currently slaving through Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre.

[@bigredlittlered2476]

This was the hardest to read book I ever picked up. The changing writing styles was difficult to adjust to. Thank you James for making the book more understandable.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stretmediq]

Reading Absolam Absolam by William Faulkner prior made Ulysses easier for me but it was still challenging

[@geargeekpdx3566]

Infinite Jest is harder

[@danielg.w5733]

Try Finnegans Wake

[@1chicaa.]

Please please do crime and punishment by Dostyoesky

[@Mrpallekuling]

I read this book every 10 years. I've read it five times so far, and I hope to accomplish at least one more before it's time to say goodbye

[@nicholacousins8563]

I make my children read Animal farm an 1984 every 5 years 😅

[@Mrpallekuling]

@@nicholacousins8563 That sounds good!

[@annwright1858]

Why?

[@Mrpallekuling]

@@annwright1858 Because each time I read it, I interpret the story a bit differently because my life experience is different. I read it first when I was 18 and lived with my parents. At 28, I had an education and started to work. At 38, I was married and had a daughter. At 48, I worked in France. At 58, I was in Switzerland, and now I'm back in Denmark, retired. So, my perspective has changed.

[@annwright1858]

Thank you for your reply and I can understand where you are coming from. For me, there are so many books out there, I want to try and read as many of them as possible and haven’t got time for repeats! I am in my seventies, thankfully still healthy. We are forever changing though so I take your point.

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

This is a book I thought I would never want to read but now I do. Your channels are so life enriching.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks!

[@vanjaw1146]

for me it is the opposite, I was planning to read it but now I realize that this book is overrated

[@zlatan_2197]

@@vanjaw1146 You need to read it to experience it.

[@reinerdesouza9438]

I doubt you will finish it. I will be surprised if you go past the half way mark.

[@jiggersotoole7823]

I read it twice

[@BrandonBurrell-lr6yy]

I'm reading Ulysses right now. Strange book. This talk is bringing clarity. Thank you.

[@fancynancymacy]

I love the way, James Joyce, writes I love the stream of consciousness. I loved it in high school. I love it today.

[@vincentzevecke4578]

William Faulkner is also a stream of consciousness writer too

[@user-KG71]

I am excited for this new series! I read Ulysses for the first time in High School, and hated it. But my English teacher told me to please reread it later on. I’m So glad that I have ❤ I found that once I had a truly open mind that this masterpiece became much more enjoyable. I also have written notes each time (over 30 years), and go back occasionally to see my growth as a reader- and as a Human.

[@gradient-hj]

So happy you decided to create this channel on top of the great art channel. Can’t wait to watch it!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Join us for the live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbFnYKXepaqhLcsi=o8H1AbMj8KzIlD_O

[@Freemouse159]

Excellent 👌 more!!!!!!!

[@817exo]

I'm really into art and literature so these two channels are just perfect! Will try to support you in the future! ❤

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for the support!

[@markberman6708]

I'm saddened by having read so many books and forgotten so much until a title or comment comes up. Too much life and possibly a bit too much bumping around has disorganized the library in my head. Helps a lot to see so many great works come up and remember them and fit them back on the shelves of the mind.

[@kurtissluss2010]

Thanks for all your hard work. I’ve adored the topics and evolution of this channel. It’s exactly what the world needs.

[@chevgr]

💗

[@nikkivenable73]

You have no idea how much i loved this. I am an avid reader and have been my whole life and listening to smart people discuss the classics, well, is there anything better?

[@dgarzaart2000]

The only thing better than reading a classic is rereading a classic. You may quote me.

[@doncahooti]

better to live a classic

[@nikkivenable73]

@@dgarzaart2000 oooh, I love this!!!!

[@jenniferw392]

I am ecstatic that you have expanded. I am a casual appreciator of art and literature, and you have shared so much knowledge and joy with me through your videos. I look forward to more to come!

[@ianlipton]

You've done it again, James. Opened my eyes to more wonderful things.

[@gustavofreitas7410]

We all have to thank you for your amazing, spectacular work of spreading knowledge in a so captivating and riveting way. I barely can imagine how search and readings you do in order to create such insightful videos. Seriously, thank you so much, you've made me a better person and I think the world should have more humans like you!

[@wain609]

Fixing drywall here in Jersey... Tuned in and taking notes!!

[@mariwittenbreer6865]

So impressive how you distill much of this heavy tome's most important tropes and Joyce's life in such a short space. Thank you so much.

[@adamgharmonica4659]

Outstanding clear engaging introduction to this seminal novel …inspiring me to go and reread Ulysses again after more than 4 decades… many many thanks. PS Praise also to the editor who assembled the wonderfully apt sequences of visuals of real content and quality

[@christianmasters5374]

Using the rite of spring periodically was a genius move! In terms of its critical reception, it's almost like the ballet/symphony version of Ulysses. Both works were lambasted when they first appeared and were the subjects of massive public outcry but a small few groups of people then and many more now were and are able to see them for the innovative masterpieces they are. Great work!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for noticing - I spend a lot of time getting appropriate music!

[@wilhelmina8843]

@christanmaster5374: I’m glad you were able to point out how thoughtful the music choice is.

[@davol2449]

big difference is "The Rite of Spring"" was never censored. you couldn't own a copy in the US until almost ten years after it was published.

[@bradenoberson]

Great use of music indeed. What is the last musical peice? With the choir? It's very nice.

[@nicolasrossi5978]

While I thank you for this video, at the same time I find it interesting that in fact the book isn't, "explained" at all. You outlined it's orginization, talked about what various reviewers thought of it at the time, it's historical context or place in the history of literature, antecedants or source material (namely Homer's 'Ulysess') and even included a short bio on Joyce, but no explanation about the 'meaning ' as far as I could see/hear or intuit. Well, about 100 yrs ago (or so it feels to be) I/we had to read this for an English Literature class. At the time I remember thinking it was interminably long, and I remember also thinking that it didn't matter much if I accidentally placed the bookmark incorrectly, because each time I returned to the book I might as well have been starting something completely new, and my memory of the previous concepts, occurences, and situations covered, was vague and ephemeral at best. Only by leafing back through the various sections searchingly was I able to answer the questions the instructor posed about various ideas/aspects, and to write an essay that probably garnered me a 'B' or 'B+' grade. Upon laborious conclusion of Ulysses, oh joy, because the Instructor was such a huge Joyce fan, the next book we had to survey was, 'The Dubliners' ! Seriously? Another'doorstop' of a book in extremely dense language/prose that tries to be absolutely everything, say absolutely everything and cover absolutely everything that the characters, are seeing, thinking, hearing, feeling smelling , tasting, sensing, imagining, etc. In my opinion,there is a way to have depth in a narrative develop characters, and still be readable, succinct and to the point. Give me a Steinbeck or Vonnegut , a Hemingway, or even a Dostoyevski please. Joyce was a chore.

[@eamisagomey]

Thank you, this is my experience of trying to read this gobbledygook masterpiece.

[@margotscheltema2870]

What a wonderful introduction to a book - with music, images and narration all combined to deepen the experience. Thank you for this brilliant multimedia synopsis.

[@jwillington6625]

Love your expansion to exploring books! Making artworks accessible, and divulging their secrets through your own brand of storytelling, research and editing is valuable work. Big thanks!

[@fancynancymacy]

Lifelong learner here now I’m 83 but still learning

[@user-iy3jh8wf1s]

It's a difficult book to read, but it's a terrific book to listen to. It really is musical. For anyone interested, try the BBC's James Joyce collection.

[@bobikdylan]

Naxos has it on 22 CDs. I bought it about twenty years ago and listen to it on my daily commute once a year. It is complete, unabridged, and very good.

[@Fibsboro]

The Irish national TV network did a superb version that is available for free

[@NancyWaugh-dj3yv]

Thanks for the suggestion about listening to it. It’s worth a shot!

[@jimsherman6262]

Agreed . Listen first to fall in love and read annotated version to better understand. John Lee's performance on the audiobook is masterful

[@Jack_Callcott_AU]

The soliloquy of Molly Bloom impressed me greatly. I have never read the whole book from beginning to end, but you said that one could "wander through Ulysses" maybe I have done that. I read " A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" when I was a teenager, and I enjoyed it like hell. The book gave me the idea that I should be writer. "Dubliners" is also a great collection of stories. 📚🍀

[@marthasolomon7997]

I had never been into art but your channel enriched my life and knowledge more than o could ever think of ..and now you are doing books aka my life source. ..paint me obsessed!

[@shienshienshien]

Thank you so much for creating this channel, on top of your art-analysis one! Truly appreciate your hard work James!

[@pameladaley955]

Thank you so much for this! James Joyce: the master monster of English literature! Every word a treasure - and you have made Ulysses understandable. I can't wait to see what you do next - and this a perfect mate to your other channel.

[@evachocolounge2302]

Congratulations, James! I'm following your journey almost since your first video with @greatartexplained. Keep it coming- I'm so excited about it!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for your continued support!

[@juleepeppep9848]

Fascinating to hear this breakdown of Ulysses. It was required readings in my English Lit class in college. I had a difficult time putting it all together, but now I am excited to read it all over again. Thank You

[@cbsproperty]

What a way to start another SUPERB channel!!!, mighty Ulisses . . . and the production! as with Great Art Explained, you are impeccably perfect in your analysis and synthesis. Humble thanks, another way of delivering your absolute talent for teaching and communication. Sincerely, Esperanza, a mexican in Canada

[@chilpabarajasivaneduardo841]

Your content is a delight! Thank you for the dedication you put into it 💚

[@Mindywright27]

Fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and am excited to return for more! Congratulations 🎉🍾

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks Mindy! Alice next!

[@nathnieloleary502]

Thank you for starting this channel. That was a very informative and digestible way to present such a complex book.🤩

[@juniorjames7076]

First time I ever subscribed to a new channel, sight unseen, without even listening to a minute. If its associated with Great Arts Explained, that's more than enough for me.

[@puffin51]

I really do wish that I could see what you and many others see in "Ulysses". I read it in ten days of hard graft as an undergrad, because I had to, and hated it. Twenty years later I tried again, and it was the same. The strongest impressions I received were of the author's freezing contempt for his characters, and for humanity generally, combined with his overpowering need to congratulate himself on his cleverness, knowledge and sensibilities. I must be wrong about that. Many good judges tell me so. The antipathy seems to be visceral - there are parts of "Ulysses" that make me physically nauseous. But whatever the cause is, I won't open a work by Joyce, ever again. It's no use telling me that "Dubliners", or "Portrait" is much easier. After my experience, all I'd like to do with Joyce is to get my hands around his neck - which, given that he's been dead these eighty years, is foolish or worse. Still, there it is.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

I fully agree.

[@davesblasting7457]

What about Samuel Beckett ? Would you try him?

[@puffin51]

@@davesblasting7457 I have tried him. I am glad to say that, not having been born over a grave, I am unqualified to appreciate the glories of Beckett's works, despite the satisfaction and peace that they brought him, which is so evident in his face.

[@merrim7765]

In my experience, it's a "thing" that some (mostly snobs) academics think they need to find appealing to find approval of their colleagues and that they "get it". Joyce was probably a narcissist, mentally ill, and had a disgusting habit of "undressing," manipulating for his own writing exercise, and criticizing everyone from his perch on the Director's chair. His daughter was committed and no wonder. The biography, Nora, was good and explains a great deal.

[@puffin51]

@@merrim7765 I don't hold his daughter's schizophrenia against him, absent real evidence that he caused it, of which there is none. I do decry the conscious artifice and self-congratulation that I find in "Ulysses". In chapter 14, "The Oxen of the Sun", the language recapitulates the development of English prose, starting before Chaucer and moving through Spencerian and Shakespearian forms to approach modern English. Why? What purpose is served? It only foregrounds the prose itself, which is to say, the writer, his delight in what he takes to be his own cleverness, his reading, his scholarship. It's nothing but egotism, and I can't for the life of me see why anybody would commend it.

[@jmcg6189]

Good job! I read it probably 15 years ago with a group from the local library. Someone from Northwestern University (local school) gave an introductory lecture. And I had a friend from the office do it with me. That way, whenever either one of us flagged and was ready to drop out, the other was there to encourage them. Possibly one of the few books that can benefit from having a reading buddy. It was a great book.

[@miabhanage]

Was thrilled when you announced the channel and this was a brilliant first entry. Thank you for everything you do, as always! (Can't wait to read Ulysses now, currently reading, Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita.' would love a video on that book too!)

[@deborahr2697]

Thank you ever so much for your channels. I adore them both. Can't wait for what comes next!

[@malwinatritt2499]

OMG, I can't wait. I think this might be the best channel on youtube! ❤️

[@mainstreamintoxicated6021]

I love Joyce, a true master. Took language to such a level that all that was left was Beckett. Joyce’s successor and Void.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great comment thanks 🙏

[@lesleyjohnson8488]

Absolutely agree! Fantastic appraisal. I felt that Melville was his ancestor in this regard, as was the fertile mind of the Bard himself …

[@georgewilkie3580]

LOL!... AGAIN, LOL!

[@reinerdesouza9438]

What is language if not communication? Ulysses does not communicate ...... just a diarrhea of words.

[@RuminatingWizard]

Steinbeck was twice the writer with 1/50th the words.

[@TheVitorReis7]

Came here since I love your art channel, i like to think of myself as an active reader, however too focused on business books, I haven’t heard of Ulysses before, i was really impressed by the explanation that each chapter is written in a unique style, i really wanna read the book now, keep up the amazing work James

[@treasurechest123]

Wow! Beautifully done, thank you! Another great series you have hatched. Congratulations!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

What is a book YOU would like me to consider for Great Books Explained?

[@lolobolly]

Madam Bovary

[@heociel]

Le Petit Prince

[@greatbooksexplained371]

One of my favourite books of ALL time! @@heociel

[@kushmon9992]

I know many people will pick older, legendary books and authors. But the Shining would be my pick. Maybe the most terrifying work of art ever.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Shining is on my list! @@kushmon9992

[@jodiehunter4505]

Brilliant! Thanks for bringing great literature back to life!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks Jodie!

[@fancynancymacy]

So excellent thank you so much I myself seem to have a gift for stream of conscious talking I appreciate learning about James Joyce and his beautiful book extraordinary book Ulysses

[@barbarabarbour6833]

What a gift to all of us this channel is!🙏👏🥰

[@kaustin6969]

The most unread book in the English language

[@vincentzevecke4578]

No Finnegan's Wake is most difficult novel in English.Language. I read FW.

[@vincentzevecke4578]

Have you ever pick it up?

[@vincentzevecke4578]

Ulyeeus is not comparing to Finnegan's Wake

[@kirkalex5257]

Unreadable. Pretentious. Tried to read it for ten years & could not get past the third page. On the other hand, read Louis-Ferdinand Celine's 592-page tome Journey to the end of the Night in about three days. Difference? One was a true genius, the other a pretender. Never cared for Catcher in the Rye either.

[@vincentzevecke4578]

@@kirkalex5257 I highly.recommend Joseph Campbell , He have book call the skeleton key to Finnegan's Wake. It will have you navigate that Finnegan Wake

[@aranoguera8945]

I read Dubliners last year. I'm looking forward to reading Ulysses.

[@SPRVLN27]

I will let you know, they're quite different.

[@murrayshaw7539]

I love Dubliners. For me there are so many hidden ideas that I can relate to in stories that initially appear somewhat ordinary. Yet to read Ulysses.

[@Ahmedkhan8802]

I've had a copy of Ulysses for years and have read most of Joyce's other novels. I've always intended take this on but have always found excuses to keep putting it off. No more! This excellent video is the push I've needed. My thanks.

[@amandahaynes2194]

This gave me such a better understanding of an overwhelming work. Thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ColtDouglasMusic]

I am so ready for this!

[@markusmanstroma3156]

I’m reading it at the moment and halfway through… it’s wonderful! Thank you for such a lovely piece on this amazing book!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Wonderful!

[@leannedraper4872]

😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊⁸the u😊😊😊😊😊😊​@@greatbooksexplained371

[@andrzejborowiec7691]

I'm just reading Ulysses for the first time as we speak, just around the middle point. It is a slower read for me, as it's not a book you throw yourself on to relax at the end of the day, but I enjoy it immensely. Great channel and looking forward to even more entries : )

[@riggers1977]

The greatest novel of the 20th century & my personal favourite of all time. Until I tripped over Joyce & Ulysses I never realised that people could do such beautiful & profound things with language. The wandering, the poetry & the commentary all tightened up into a perfect package of ordinary nothingness. It’s just humanity laid bare & it’s fucking amazing. Ulysses is the only book I own which is a genuine first edition & I treasure it. Thank you so much for making this video James!👏👏

[@MariaVosa]

Wonderful to see you branch out into literature as well. Great topic for the first video, and great companion piece to your recent video on Magritte!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you spotted the cross references!

[@rhythmythicles]

You had me at Rite of Spring... Thank you for another great piece!

[@BailelaVida]

A beautiful rendering, my man. Thanks for that!

[@followthatstargirl824]

Great one, James! Congratulations on your new channel! 😊

[@saluki601]

Trying to get myself to read crime and punishment at the moment. Super excited for the new channel!

[@apollonia6656]

@saluki, I read all of Dostoyevsky 's novels bar one: "The Idiot", but it is on my TBR so looking forward to it. Here is a question (sorry for digressing): for those who have read The Brothers Karamasov.; why do you think Zosima's body leaves such an awful smell ? As a medic, I understand putrifaction/heat etc , but a lot is made of stench. Do you think there is a hint regarding his "saintly character vs his actual one ? Well, the Devil leaves a stench wherever he goes so..... 🤔

[@emmanuelcarrillo276]

I remember having my mind forever altered reading the first page of Finnegan’s Wake in high school. Can’t wait for more of your videos!

[@lilybleue8888]

Thank you Mr. Payne. You will finally make me a cultured person with all your beautiful works of art. With an added bonus, my favorite actor David Suchet was in this video, too. I knew nothing of Jame Joyce and Ulysses before and never was curious but you have given me the little taste of his rebellious genius and it was surprisingly delicious.

[@janebishop5885]

Well, thank you so much for this analysis. You have given me about eight inches of space on the top shelf of one of my six foot bookcases. Forty years ago I bought from the monthly book club, 3 of Joyce's novels and started Ulysses and read about five pages and then started working long hours, and had to stop. I always thought i would get back to Ulysses because back then the writing seemed very unique. But, now, your review has made me rethink that and I will not waste a minute on what sounds like an utter waste of time. ...thanks very much. Ugh.

[@hippolyte90]

You made me so curious about this book, even when I know what a challenge it is. Also excellent choice of music. "Ulysses" is like the book counterpart to Stravinsky's masterpiece "The Rites of Spring".

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Appreciate you noticing!

[@BandicootLava]

Fantastic video! I own a copy of Ulysses but was always intimidated by how creative its language and style can get. This should encourage me to give it a shot sometime!

[@dianedylan5423]

A great first video, a perfect choice to draw parallels with the visual arts going on at the time and between your two channels. I look forward to seeing more !

[@ChrisPelletier73]

I would love to hear you speak on Miller’s Tropic of Capricorn.🙏 I truly enjoy all of the content you produce. Having access to entertainment of this high calibre keeps me sane.

[@nuritardif563]

Thank you so much for this video. In a wonderful synchronicity I just finished reading this book about a week ago and absolutely loved it's Can't wait for your next video! Maybe you can do one on Moby-Dick, my all time favorite book.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Moby Dick is on the list!

[@lesleyjohnson8488]

❤

[@baby__josh]

I guess I’ll have to dig into it! I’ve been putting it off for quite a while, and seems like this is the kick out of the door I needed. Thank you!

[@elizabethfoster5435]

I love that you’re branching out to books! Love the Art channel 🤌🏼

[@50l12]

I've read and loved Dubliners though am fascinated by the mysterious Ulysses and Finnegans Wake while never cracking the surface. This has given me new inspiration to dive back in!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great!

[@rosekugi]

Hard read. Can you suggest an audiobook?

[@andohlea]

Not sure if it’s a preview but excited about the books you focused on in the intro! Great work yet again! 🙏

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Alice is next!

[@andohlea]

@@greatbooksexplained371 yoooohoooo! 🐇😵‍💫🫖🐭🤪🎩😸🐛🌹♥️…in no particular order 😄

[@cosette8321]

What an excellent channel of culture you have, this and ‘great art explained ‘ always guaranteed with quality. Thanks for your endeavor !!

[@-corvin]

your approach to these videos is wonderful and carries a contagious enthusiasm that made me - and many others i assume - look at art again that was quickly dismissed at first glance. having the same for books now, is an early christmas gift! i look forward for the many books i would never think of reading if it was not for your videos. tl;dr: this video made me throw away my hated german copy of this book, and read an english one.

[@berolinastrassmann]

I have started and stopped Ulysses a few times. Hopefully after this I will give it another try! Thanks James for this wonderful video.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You can do it!

[@macreo111]

Haven’t seen it yet and already know it’s going to be quality content. Keep it up!!!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@katherineg9396]

Great timing because I have been thinking of getting a copy and trying to read "Ulysses". It has a reputation of being unreadable. Thanks to you I have a starting place. You've done an excellent piece here, thank you. I'm sure you're going to do 1984 eventually. I read it several times but the time I listened to an audio version was when I heard the language, the writing, and was amazed by it.

[@benjaminjonsson5427]

Had this channel recommended by a friend. Always thought (though I’ve never read it) of Ulysses as just a nonsense book, experimentation for the sake of experimentation, but this video gave me newfound appreciation for it.

[@maryroberts9315]

Already 1k+ views! There are so many life-long learners who enjoy an intro to a challenging work. I just finished Joseph Conrad's "The Shadow Line". Any Conrad is a good discussion book. My favorite novel is "As I Lay Dying" by Faulkner.

[@valiantabello]

I dislike Joyce's works very much but this video definitely taught me a lot. I am currently reading The Brothers Karamasov

[@r.e.t.8656]

Amazing! I’m thank you for all you do ❤

[@redtobertshateshandles]

The BK. Worlds most boring book.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

@@redtobertshateshandles well its a character study mostly and I find it quite interesting.

[@kellycasperhanson4426]

I'm glad to find this channel. There are so many books that I'll never actually read myself, but I'll at least have some idea about their plot and themes. Sometimes, that's enough to be able to understand references to the books in conversations and appear to be erudite but without the effort 😅!

[@bretfisher7286]

I feel as if, being here, listening to the wonderful analysis of great literature, I've cheated life somehow. I should be in a college class I've paid for. Very enriching. Thank you so much. It's really added to my life.

[@MartijnPennings]

As a non-native English speaker I often find it daunting reading "great" English novels. They're often so full of words, phrases, structures I've never come across and there's often this aura of importance around them. As if I'm about to have to understand something very profound. I've never read Ulysses, and to be honest, I probably won't. Of course I've often heard of the book, but I've never known what it's about and why it is deemed so important in English literature. So thank you so much for this explainer!

[@glennday7802]

Trust your instincts. Ulysses is a pile of unreadable trash that appeals to fake intellectuals because they think it makes them sound educated and superior to others.

[@Providence1017]

Ulysses is one of those books that just seems so daunting to pick up, but after this I might give it a shot! Currently reading Children of Ruin, book 2 in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time series. It's a great sci fi page turner!

[@S3_Fabrication]

I’m super excited about this channel, thanks!

[@nekonesto5601]

Yay! First video on the channel! I look forward to all the future ones and wish you a lot of success!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you so much!!

[@TaylorRyanKitterman]

Good stuff. Looking forward to more 📚

[@loganfinn4056]

So excited for the new channel! I’d love to see a video on Oscar Wilde eventually

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Oh that will happen!

[@colinthompson3111]

Thank you for presenting this explanation of the book. I will now take some time to read the book.😊

[@isacj81]

And I thought Great Art Explained was all I needed. Until James reinvented himself by creating this channel! Oh, by the way, funny that the most intelectual professor of mine has always commented well about this strange book. Only now I understood why. Definitely on my reading list now. Another masterpiece of work with this channel, James. I truly hope this takes off as much as the other channel. Anxiously looking forward to what coming up, both in Art and, now, in Books Explained! Cheers from Brazil!

[@adamfleischman8080]

I love Frankenstein, Candide, a Christmas Carol and The Trial.

[@dylanmeyerhoeffer5281]

This is a great book. I read it over the course of a few months and remember finishing it at a little tea shop in Littleton, CO and smiling like a fool. Yes. I said yes, this is a great book.

[@silverstuff182]

Why is Ulysses a great book?

[@silverstuff182]

Why is Ulysses a great book?

[@tommytwogloves16]

Typical pornographer. Catholic-hating Scribe.

[@tommytwogloves16]

@@silverstuff182It’s pure filth. If you criticize his garbage you are labeled and anti-Termite.

[@rubu9372]

Such a fascinating visual essay. More power to this channel ❤

[@khalidaftab3716]

Amazingly interesting production. It left a deep imprint on my mind.

[@writewatson]

As an author, seeing this makes me so happy! And I can't wait for what's to come.

[@MRMADDNES1328]

My favorite book! Thank you. Needed this at these hard times of war

[@puddinggeek4623]

A superb informative video. Thoroughly looking forward to more of these in the future. Keep up the good work.

[@pedroheberle6665]

Long live the new channel, James! Its first was magnificent. Cheers from Brasília.

[@zlatan_2197]

I've always felt that Joyce is painter with words. I still vividly remember first time I've red Dubliners. Ulysses stands by itself, absolute masterpiece.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Dubliners is such a great book!

[@henrylemelay5436]

Nieuwe kleren van de keizer . Misschien te pruimen als je zelf paddo’s gebruikt. Dutch