James Joyce's Ulysses: A Reference Guide [Hardcover]

Bernard McKenna (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0313316252 | ISBN-13: 978-0313316258

Perhaps the most important literary achievement of the 20th century, Ulysses is also one of the most challenging. This reference introduces beginning readers to Joyce and his novel, removes some of the obstacles readers face when confronting his text, provides background information to facilitate understanding of the nuances of the book, and illuminates the critical dialogue surrounding his work. With the help of this guide, beginning readers will discover the rewards of reading the novel and find that they outweigh the potential obstacles to understanding Ulysses. To introduce readers to Joyce and his work, the volume begins with a short biography and a survey of the importance and cultural impact of Ulysses. Most beginning readers find it difficult to follow Joyce's plot, and so they abandon the text in frustration. Thus the book includes the most detailed available plot summary of Joyce's novel. The chapters that follow overview the novel's publication history; its historical and cultural contexts, including Modernism, Irish literature and history, and political and social trends; major themes and issues; Joyce's narrative art, including his character development, language, images, and style; and the academic and critical response to the work. The volume closes with a bibliographical essay.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

BERNARD MCKENNA Assistant Professor of English at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (January 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313316252
• ISBN-13: 978-0313316258
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,829,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Life-Saver, June 16, 2003

By 

Siobhan (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Joyce's Ulysses: A Reference Guide (Hardcover)

Bernard McKenna's guide to ULYSSES is written in an easy-to-understand style that facilitates an understanding of the novel. I read ULYSSES, or was assigned to read it, as part of a course here at university. I couldn't get past the third chapter, until I discovered Bernard McKenna's guide. He takes you through the book, step by step and helps you understand what's going on. He also introduces the critical dialgue surrounding the book, which is a great help. The book is like having your own private teacher there to help you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure genius!, July 13, 2002

By 

Maryann Yeso (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Joyce's Ulysses: A Reference Guide (Hardcover)

Having to read Ulysses for my senior research paper seemed a daunting task. I was about to go searching for the Cliff's Note's. Mr. McKenna really made sense of the book, the history, and even the life and times. I really appreciate it!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars impressive, August 15, 2002

By 

Josiah (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Joyce's Ulysses: A Reference Guide (Hardcover)

I wouldnt have understood 3 words of Ulysses if it werent for this book! I wish they made these guides for more difficult books.. Thanks