Ulysses is one of the foundational texts of modern literature, yet has a reputation for complexity and controversy. In Ulysses Unbound, Joyce expert Terence Killeen untangles this seemingly knotty classic to reveal the wonders beneath, in a clear and comprehensive guide which will provide new and vital insights for everyone from students to specialists. In this new edition, published to celebrate the centenary of Ulysses' first publication in 1922, Killeen seamlessly combines close literary analysis with a broad account of the novel's fascinating history, from its writing and publication to its long contemporary afterlife. We get under the skin of the text to discover the joys of Joyce's remarkable range of themes, styles and voices, as Killeen reanimates the real people who inspired many of the characters. Ulysses Unbound is an indispensable, illuminating and entertaining companion to one of the twentieth century's great works of art. With a foreword by Colm Toibin

Ideal for readers new to Ulysses and written with a depth of knowledge invaluable to scholars, "Ulysses" Unbound is a clear and comprehensive guide to James Joyce's masterpiece from one of the foremost Dublin-based Joyce experts. Terence Killeen discusses the novel's eighteen episodes individually. For each episode, Killeen provides a brief narrative summary along with an account of the parallels from Homer's Odyssey. Next, he devotes attention to the episode's unique style, in recognition of the novel's remarkable stylistic diversity. He also includes a commentary section that surveys the episode's principal themes and function within the broader context of the development of the work as a whole. These sections are followed by notes that help explain some of the main characters and historical events in the text, illuminating the real people who provided so much of the book's material. Glossaries define many of the foreign language terms that pepper the text. Mindful of the needs of readers tackling Ulysses for the first time, Killeen begins his treatment of the episodes simply and expands his discussions as the novel's text expands. He concludes with an overall reading of Ulysses that considers possible approaches to interpreting the book in its entirety. The guide also features a brief account of Joyce's life and a description of the novel's eventful textual and publishing history. Accessible and authoritative, "Ulysses" Unbound is an indispensable companion for both students and specialists.