Ulysses by James Joyce: Great Books Explained

Рет қаралды 649,585

8 ай бұрын

Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon, thanks! www.patreon.com/user?u=53686503
or if you prefer a one-off donation - www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
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.
Subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified! kzfaq.info/love/ePD...
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 jamespayne33@hotmail.com
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.

Пікірлер: 1 300

@charlawillson5654 2 ай бұрын

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

@andreselectrico 7 ай бұрын

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 4 ай бұрын

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

@Uluc-cg4tm 3 ай бұрын

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

@bigredlittlered2476 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@stretmediq 8 ай бұрын

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

@geargeekpdx3566 6 ай бұрын

Infinite Jest is harder

@danielg.w5733 6 ай бұрын

Try Finnegans Wake

@1chicaa. 6 ай бұрын

Please please do crime and punishment by Dostyoesky

@seriouslywhatever1031 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@vanjaw1146 8 ай бұрын

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

@zlatan_2197 8 ай бұрын

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

@reinerdesouza9438 6 ай бұрын

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

@jiggersotoole7823 20 күн бұрын

I read it twice

@817exo 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the support!

@BrandonBurrell-lr6yy 7 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley for the first time.

@GreatArtExplained 8 ай бұрын

@@landontalkington230 Frankenstein is being researched now!

@stevej9058 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@SooKim119 8 ай бұрын

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.

@user-KG71 8 ай бұрын

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.

@ianlipton 7 ай бұрын

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

@Mrpallekuling 3 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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

@Mrpallekuling Ай бұрын

@@nicholacousins8563 That sounds good!

@annwright1858 28 күн бұрын

Why?

@Mrpallekuling 28 күн бұрын

@@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 26 күн бұрын

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.

@kurtissluss2010 8 ай бұрын

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

@chevgr 8 ай бұрын

💗

@markberman6708 6 ай бұрын

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.

@fancynancymacy 7 ай бұрын

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

@vincentzevecke4578 Ай бұрын

William Faulkner is also a stream of consciousness writer too

@gradient-hj 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Join us for the live! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZquSn7KSqpfbfok.htmlsi=o8H1AbMj8KzIlD_O

@Freemouse159 7 ай бұрын

Excellent 👌 more!!!!!!!

@nikkivenable73 8 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

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

@doncahooti 6 ай бұрын

better to live a classic

@nikkivenable73 6 ай бұрын

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

@ColtDouglasMusic 8 ай бұрын

I am so ready for this!

@christianmasters5374 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@wilhelmina8843 8 ай бұрын

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

@davol2449 5 ай бұрын

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 2 ай бұрын

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

@pameladaley955 8 ай бұрын

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.

@wain609 8 ай бұрын

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

@jenniferw392 8 ай бұрын

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!

@amandahaynes2194 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Jack_Callcott_AU 7 ай бұрын

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. 📚🍀

@gustavofreitas7410 8 ай бұрын

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!

@jodiehunter4505 8 ай бұрын

Brilliant! Thanks for bringing great literature back to life!

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Jodie!

@user-iy3jh8wf1s 7 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

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

@NancyWaugh-dj3yv 6 ай бұрын

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

@jimsherman6262 Ай бұрын

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

@chilpabarajasivaneduardo841 8 ай бұрын

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

@mariwittenbreer6865 5 ай бұрын

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.

@jwillington6625 8 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

Lifelong learner here now I’m 83 but still learning

@malwinatritt2499 8 ай бұрын

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

@aranoguera8945 8 ай бұрын

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

@SPRVLN27 4 ай бұрын

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

@adamgharmonica4659 6 ай бұрын

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

@evachocolounge2302 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for your continued support!

@mainstreamintoxicated6021 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Great comment thanks 🙏

@lesleyjohnson8488 7 ай бұрын

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

@georgewilkie3580 7 ай бұрын

LOL!... AGAIN, LOL!

@reinerdesouza9438 6 ай бұрын

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

@RuminatingWizard 3 ай бұрын

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

@riggers1977 8 ай бұрын

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!👏👏

@shienshienshien 8 ай бұрын

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

@margotscheltema2870 2 ай бұрын

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.

@jmcg6189 8 ай бұрын

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.

@Mindywright27 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Mindy! Alice next!

@marthasolomon7997 8 ай бұрын

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!

@juleepeppep9848 7 ай бұрын

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

@saluki601 8 ай бұрын

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

@apollonia6656 3 ай бұрын

@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..... 🤔

@markusmanstroma3156 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Wonderful!

@leannedraper4872 Ай бұрын

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

@lifeandnostalgia 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@followthatstargirl824 8 ай бұрын

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

@50l12 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Great!

@rosekugi 6 ай бұрын

Hard read. Can you suggest an audiobook?

@cbsproperty 8 ай бұрын

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

@juniorjames7076 8 ай бұрын

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.

@MichaelJoseph-id2lc 7 ай бұрын

"And yes" Beautiful

@nuritardif563 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Moby Dick is on the list!

@lesleyjohnson8488 7 ай бұрын

❤

@nathnieloleary502 8 ай бұрын

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

@rhythmythicles 8 ай бұрын

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

@MariaVosa 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Glad you spotted the cross references!

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

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

@lolobolly 8 ай бұрын

Madam Bovary

@heociel 8 ай бұрын

Le Petit Prince

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

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

@kushmon9992 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Shining is on my list! @@kushmon9992

@barbarabarbour6833 4 ай бұрын

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

@macreo111 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@lukodaian 8 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤🎉

@BailelaVida 6 ай бұрын

A beautiful rendering, my man. Thanks for that!

@fancynancymacy 7 ай бұрын

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

@adamfleischman8080 8 ай бұрын

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

@loganfinn4056 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Oh that will happen!

@treasurechest123 8 ай бұрын

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

@khalidaftab3716 2 ай бұрын

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

@TaylorRyanKitterman 8 ай бұрын

Good stuff. Looking forward to more 📚

@janebishop5885 7 ай бұрын

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.

@Ahmedkhan8802 7 ай бұрын

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.

@TheVitorReis7 7 ай бұрын

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

@andohlea 8 ай бұрын

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

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Alice is next!

@andohlea 8 ай бұрын

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

@kristina7296 8 ай бұрын

Yessss!! It really is the best channel on KZfaq

@S3_Fabrication 8 ай бұрын

I’m super excited about this channel, thanks!

@emmanuelcarrillo276 7 ай бұрын

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!

@yonathanasefaw9001 8 ай бұрын

I learned something today.

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Great!

@hippolyte90 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

Appreciate you noticing!

@syd5393 8 ай бұрын

I learn more about the arts here than in any of my classes !! Ty!!!

@elizabethfoster5435 8 ай бұрын

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

@valiantabello 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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

@redtobertshateshandles 7 ай бұрын

The BK. Worlds most boring book.

@benjaminroe311ify 7 ай бұрын

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

@Providence1017 8 ай бұрын

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!

@user-yq3sp2cq9s 3 ай бұрын

Now, as a newly retired teacher (kindergarten), I have time to read. I am hoping this channel will help me make good decisions about what to read next.

@-corvin 7 ай бұрын

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.

@frasercattini3153 8 ай бұрын

This is the greatest book I have ever read. Probably the hardest but the most rewarding.

@feanorian21maglor38 5 ай бұрын

I'm reading it now. It's great to hear such positive experiences. Hard books can be so rewarding. I found Catch 22 very difficult to read, but it's one of the best things I have ever read, and one of the funniest.

@maryroberts9315 8 ай бұрын

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.

@karenmills5084 Ай бұрын

So many years ago I was supposed to read this for a college lit course, and I tried. I tried skimming here and there and failed again. In my 30s I tried again. It still gave me a headache, so I decided that having read “Portait…” and The Dead, I didn’t need to try any more James Joyce. There are many Irish writers I enjoy reading so I do not miss this one.

@baby__josh 8 ай бұрын

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!

@berolinastrassmann 8 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

You can do it!

@kaustin6969 7 ай бұрын

The most unread book in the English language

@vincentzevecke4578 Ай бұрын

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

@vincentzevecke4578 Ай бұрын

Have you ever pick it up?

@vincentzevecke4578 Ай бұрын

Ulyeeus is not comparing to Finnegan's Wake

@Anna-rs4mx 5 ай бұрын

This book is really helped with a seminar study and someone knowledgeable about all the background literature referenced. Then it’s amazing. I felt the same way about Infinite Jest. Reading as a shared weekly experience was great fun…so much back and forth.

@TheIrenepiekarski 8 ай бұрын

Great start to a channel we have been thirsting for!

@alechall7082 8 ай бұрын

Can't wait 👍

@MRMADDNES1328 8 ай бұрын

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

@troydaum4728 7 ай бұрын

So happy you are doing this series

@gez1809 8 ай бұрын

I love the teaser of the books to come in the intro... Very exciting!

@carolinaaguiar9715 8 ай бұрын

Amazing work! As always!

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@yonathanasefaw9001 8 ай бұрын

Ready!

@ksgtokgo 8 ай бұрын

Looking forward to this!

@andrzejborowiec7691 7 ай бұрын

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 : )

@themetalhead92g 8 ай бұрын

Sitting here hoping for a GBE treatment of The portrait of Dorian Grey

@greatbooksexplained371 8 ай бұрын

I think so!

@MartijnPennings 8 ай бұрын

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 Ай бұрын

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.

@dianecrepeault5423 8 ай бұрын

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 !

@bretfisher7286 3 ай бұрын

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.