Ulysses

James Joyce, HB Classics

Summary

In the past, Ulysses has been labeled dirty, blasphemous, and even unreadable. None of these adjectives, however, do the slightest justice to the novel. To this day it remains the modernist masterpiece, in which the author takes both Celtic lyricism and vulgarity to splendid extremes. It is funny, sorrowful, and even (in a close-focus sort of way) suspenseful. And despite the exegetical industry that has sprung up in the last 75 years, Ulysses is also a compulsively readable book.
William Blake saw the universe in a grain of sand. Joyce saw it in Dublin, Ireland, on June 16, 1904, a day distinguished by its utter normality. Two characters, Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom, go about their separate business, crossing paths with a gallery of indelible Dubliners. We watch them teach, eat, stroll the streets, argue, and (in Bloom's case) masturbate. And thanks to the book's stream-of-consciousness technique — which suggests no mere stream but an impossibly deep, swift-running river — we're privy to their thoughts, emotions, and memories. The result? Almost every variety of human experience is crammed into the accordian folds of a single day, which makes Ulysses not just an experimental work but the very last word in realism.

I hold this book to be the most important expression which the present age has found; it is a book to which we are all indebted, and from which none of us can escape. —T. S. Eliot
What is so staggering about "Ulysses" is the fact that behind a thousand veils nothing lies hidden; that it turns neither toward the mind nor toward the world, but, as cold as the moon looking on from cosmic space, allows the drama of growth, being, and decay to pursue its course. —Carl Jung
The greatest novel of the 20th century. —Anthony Burgess
"Ulysses" is extraordinarily interesting to those who have patience (and they need it). —John Middleton Murry
It is difficult not to acclaim a masterpiece. —Virginia Woolf

Available since: 12/25/2022.

Print length: 729 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Wheels of Chance The (Unabridged)

H. G. Wells

A humorous account of a young man's cycling holiday in the south of England. By the author of The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds.

Show book

The Man In A Case

Anton Chekhov

A Man in a Case, written by Anton Chekhov, is an example of realist literature and serves to illustrate his mastery of the craft. The story centers around the protagonist, Belikov, who is characterized by his extremely rigid adherence to social conventions and strictures. By confining himself within the boundaries of socially accepted norms, Belikov creates a metaphorical "case" that further restricts his access to self-expression and freedom. Read in English, unabridged.

Show book

The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran

Embark on a captivating journey through the timeless wisdom of Khalil Gibran's masterpiece, "The Prophet," brought to life in a mesmerizing audiobook experience. Renowned narrator Dennis Logan lends his rich and emotive voice to Gibran's poetic prose, weaving a tapestry of profound insights that resonate across generations. 
Dennis Logan's skillful narration adds a layer of depth to Gibran's philosophical exploration of life, love, freedom, and the human spirit. As Logan breathes life into each word, listeners are transported to the enchanting world of Almustafa, a wise and compassionate prophet, as he imparts his profound teachings to the people of the fictional city of Orphalese. 
But this audiobook is not just a narration; it's an immersive auditory experience enhanced by carefully curated music. The ethereal melodies and harmonies chosen by Dennis Logan complement the poetic beauty of Gibran's words, creating an atmosphere that deepens the emotional impact of the timeless lessons contained within "The Prophet."

Show book

In Bayswater - One family is...

Mary Butts

Mary Frances Butts was born on 13th December 1890 in Poole, Dorset.

Her early years were spent at Salterns, an 18th-century house overlooking Poole Harbour. Sadly in 1905 her father died, and she was sent for boarding at St Leonard's school for girls in St Andrews.

Her mother remarried and, from 1909, Mary studied at Westfield College in London, and here, first became aware of her bisexual feelings. She was sent down for organising a trip to Epsom races and only completed her degree in 1914 when she graduated from the London School of Economics. By then Mary had become an admirer of the occultist Aleister Crowley and she was given a co-authorship credit on his ‘Magick (Book 4)’.

In 1916, she began the diary which would now detail her future life and be a constant reference point for her observations and her absorbing experiences.

During World War I, she was doing social work for the London County Council in Hackney Wick, and involved in a lesbian relationship. Life changed after meeting the modernist poet, John Rodker and they married in 1918.

In 1921 she spent 3 months at Aleister Crowley's Abbey of Thelema in Sicily; she found the practices dreadful and also acquired a drug habit. Mary now spent time writing in Dorset, including her celebrated book of short stories ‘Speed the Plough’ which saw fully develop her unique Modernist prose style.

Europe now beckoned and several years were spent in Paris befriending many artists and writing further extraordinary stories.

She was continually sought after by literary magazines and also published several short story collections as books. Although a Modernist writer she worked in other genres but is essentially only known for her short stories. Mary was deeply committed to nature conservation and wrote several pamphlets attacking the growing pollution of the countryside.

In 1927, she divorced and the following year her novel ‘Armed with Madness’ was published. A further marriage followed in 1930 and time was spent attempting to settle in London and Newcastle before setting up home on the western tip of Cornwall. By 1934 the marriage had failed.

Mary Butts died on 5th March 1937, at the West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance, after an operation for a perforated gastric ulcer. She was 46.

Her story ‘In Bayswater’ grippingly describes a man’s friendship with a dysfunctional family he rents a room from. As each facet reveals itself his opinion and decisions change, back and forth, this way and that….

Show book

Oliver Twist - Audiobook

Charles Dickens, Classic...

Oliver Twist is a timeless classic that explores the harsh realities of 19th-century England through the eyes of a young orphan. Born in a workhouse and raised amidst cruelty and poverty, Oliver's life is a constant struggle for survival. Despite his dire circumstances, his pure heart and unyielding spirit remain unbroken.When Oliver dares to ask for more food, his simple act of courage sets off a chain of events that leads him into a world of danger and adventure. Escaping the oppressive workhouse, he finds himself entangled with a gang of pickpockets led by the cunning Fagin and the menacing Bill Sikes. Along the way, Oliver encounters both villains and heroes, uncovering secrets about his past that could change his future forever.A poignant tale of innocence, resilience, and redemption, Oliver Twist is a powerful critique of social injustice and a celebration of the human spirit. With unforgettable characters and a gripping plot, this masterpiece by Charles Dickens continues to captivate readers of all ages.

Show book

Contrairy Mary - From their pens...

Edwin Pugh

The bookshelves of British literature are incredible collections that have gathered together centuries of very talented authors.  From these Isles their fame spread and whilst among their number many are now forgotten or neglected their talents endure.  Among them is Edwin Pugh.

Show book