Ulysses in Critical Perspective

A survey of foundational theory on James Joyce's Ulysses

This collection of essays reviews the state of theory on James Joyce's Ulysses more
than 100 years after the fictitious Leopold Bloom steps into the novel,
a day Joyceans celebrate as Bloomsday. The contributors--well known for
their work in James Joyce studies--each provide three assessments in
their areas of specialization: a history of the best criticism to date,
an updating of critical positions, and an agenda for future examination.
In clear, accessible language, the collection examines the insights
readers can expect from particular modes of inquiry and offers an
informed view of theoretical approaches and interpretive trends.

For
new Joyce scholars, the book provides a highly readable summary of
existing criticism. For seasoned Joyceans, it offers an important review
of the methodologies that have made significant contributions to
understanding the novel.