Tips on Reading Ulysses

Post date: Apr 21, 2013 3:21:50 PM

Annotated Version:

http://www.columbia.edu/~fms5/ulys.htm

If you ever get bogged down in reading Ulysses, look back over these tips:

1. http://kimbofo.typepad.com/readingmatters/2011/07/want-to-read-james-joyces-ulysses-heres-some-tips-that-might-help.html

2. http://biblioklept.org/2010/06/16/how-to-read-james-joyces-ulysses-and-why-you-should-avoid-how-to-guides-like-this-one/

Summary of advice from those websites and my own tips to myself:

• Just friggin' read it.

• Keep friggin' reading it.

• Set up a consistent schedule a day, a manageable, doable one: 36 pages a day, 30 days.

• Read with a group: check.

• Ignore all guides and annotations.

• Read primarily for enjoyment, not necessarily understanding.

• Get a good copy: check. I'm using the Everyman's Library which is about 300 pages longer than most editions but I really like the typeset and margins, as well as the aesthetics and durability of the book itself.

• Read aloud when it gets confusing. Joyce is intended to be heard...use this site or this one if your voice gets tired or your wife thinks you've gone cuckoo sitting alone in your office.