ON FEBRUARY 2, 1922, one of the most famous books in the world was published. James Joyce’s Ulysses remains as popular as it is unread, so the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh decided to celebrate its centenary with a lively event to address some myths, find new gems, and share passion for this masterpiece with new audiences.
Posing the questions: ‘Banned, burned and blacklisted for so long, is Ulysses really a book for everyone?’ ‘Where does it sit in the canons of Irish, European and world literature?’ and ‘How does Taylor Swift fit into considerations of this masterpiece? Consul General Jane McCulloch introduced four passionate Scottish Joyceans for an engaging
discussion focussed on the publication of Ulysses 100 years ago, and its resonance today.
The event was presented in partnership with the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of a global series of #Ulysses100 events. Brian Taylor, Dr Maria-Daniella Dick, and Carla Jenkins in the Scottish Storytelling Centre were joined from Singapore by Dr Richard Barlow for a lively conversation that was intriguing, and should tempt you to open the book and have another read.
Brian Taylor has been well known to many for decades as Scotland’s pre-eminent political broadcaster. Brian is a life-long devotee of James Joyce, and has starred in international Bloomsday film projects.
Dr Maria-Daniella Dick is Lecturer in Irish and Scottish Literature post-1900 at the University of Glasgow.
Maria particularly focusses on international modernism, and has published widely on James Joyce.
Carla Jenkins is a journalist, author, lecturer and broadcaster. She has studied literature in both Scottish and Irish universities, having been a devotee of Joyce since her schooldays. Carla is also a student of the Trieste Joyce Summer School.
Dr Richard Barlow is an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and is also the
academic director of the Trieste Joyce School. Widely published on Joyce, Richard has considered the Celtic links between Joyce and Scottish culture in his books.
If you missed the event online, the link to the recording is available on the Consulate General’s website, Facebook and Twitter: www.dfa.ie/edinburgh and @irlscotland
Keep an eye on Ulysses100.ie for news, events and inspiration as the centenary celebrations continue over the coming months
