The James Joyce Library

Books & Literature

About

Step softly into The James Joyce Library, where the pages breathe and the city murmurs beneath every word. Here the books unfold aloud - Dublin’s streets, its wandering minds, its sudden flashes of revelation - carried on the human voice as river-current and memory entwine. From first sentence to final cadence, each episode invites the listener to drift through language itself: playful, searching, awake to the music of ordinary life. Open your ears, and walk awhile among stories that refuse to stand still.

Episodes

  • Ulysses Episode 8 - Lestrygonians Part 1

    This episode explores a wanderer

  • Ulysses Episode 7 - Aeolus Part 2

    This episode covers the second part of 'Aeolus' from Ulysses, featuring a gathering of Dublin literati and newspapermen. Their conversation touches on classical themes, journalism, and politics as they navigate the city.

  • Ulysses Episode 7 - Aeolus Part 1

    Ulysses Episode 7 - Aeolus Part 1, from The James Joyce Library, depicts Dublin's bustling newspaper offices and printing presses. Mr Bloom visits the Evening Telegraph, encountering debates on Irish culture and politics.

  • Ulysses Episode 6 - Hades Part 2

    In Ulysses Episode 6 - Hades Part 2, mourners process through a cemetery, reflecting on life, decay, and sorrow as a burial ritual unfolds.

  • Ulysses Episode 6 - Hades Part 1

    This episode follows a funeral carriage through Dublin, where gentlemen discuss life, death, and memory. Their conversation touches on grief while maintaining a sense of camaraderie amidst ordinary scenes.

  • Ulysses Episode 5 - Lotus Eaters

    In Ulysses Episode 5, titled Lotus Eaters, Mr Bloom walks through Dublin, reflecting on the morning and the lives he encounters. His thoughts wander from news to intimate inclinations, touching on faith and domestic comforts.

  • Ulysses Episode 4 - Calypso

    In the 'Calypso' episode of The James Joyce Library, Leopold Bloom navigates a warm summer morning with attentiveness, engaging in routines and acts of kindness. He reflects on his surroundings, family, time, and memories.

  • Ulysses Episode 3 - Proteus

    In 'Ulysses Episode 3 - Proteus,' a lone figure wanders a beach, contemplating memory, myth, and his surroundings. The episode captures his internal reflections and encounters amid the natural elements.

  • Ulysses Episode 2 - Nestor

    In Ulysses Episode 2 - Nestor, Stephen Dedalus engages with his students and the views of Mr. Deasy, touching upon history, riddles, and contemporary issues like disease prevention.

  • Ulysses Episode 1 - Telemachus Part 2

    In Ulysses Episode 1 - Telemachus Part 2, a morning gathering at the Martello tower features Buck Mulligan’s irreverence and conversations between Stephen Dedalus and an English guest. They discuss themes of milk, language, faith, and art,…

  • Ulysses Episode 1 - Telemachus Part 1

    In Ulysses Episode 1, Part 1, Buck Mulligan's wit and Stephen Dedalus's melancholy intertwine during their morning exchange by the sea. Their conversation touches on mockery, memory, and loss as the day begins.

  • Exiles Act 3

    In Act 3 of Exiles, Bertha experiences restlessness and yearning in a Dublin drawingroom. Tensions rise among Richard, Robert, and Beatrice as unspoken truths and past affections surface.

  • Exiles Act 2

    In "Exiles Act 2" of The James Joyce Library, Robert Hand and Richard Rowan have a deep conversation revealing the complexities of their friendship and affections. The arrival of Bertha introduces tension and confessions as they confront l…

  • Exiles Act 1

    Act 1 of Exiles is set on a June afternoon in a Dublin drawingroom. Characters Richard Rowan, Beatrice Justice, Robert Hand, and Bertha discuss old friendships, literary ambitions, and their complicated affections, while pondering fidelity…

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 5 Part 3

    This episode features a discussion among young men in a university library focusing on religion, heritage, and personal convictions. A central character reflects on faith, love, and the pursuit of freedom.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 5 Part 2

    This episode explores Stephen's college experiences, focusing on discussions about art, beauty, and nationality. It touches upon his internal reflections and a brief moment of poetic inspiration.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 5 Part 1

    This episode covers the first part of Chapter 5 of James Joyce's 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,' detailing a young man's walk through a city and his experiences within a university setting, including interactions with a dean and…

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man explores a devout youth's internal conflict between a religious vocation and secular desires. He contemplates his spiritual path amidst piety and doubt.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 3 Part 2

    This episode covers Chapter 3 Part 2 of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, focusing on a young soul

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 3 Part 1

    This episode covers Chapter 3 Part 1 of 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,' detailing a boy's internal struggles with religious awe, sin, and divine justice during a retreat.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 2 Part 2

    This episode covers Chapter 2 Part 2 of 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,' detailing Stephen Dedalus's school experiences, theatrical interests, and a significant trip to Cork that evokes memories and feelings of loss. The narrativ…

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 2 Part 1

    Chapter 2 Part 1 of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man follows a young boy in Dublin as he observes daily life, family routines, and school experiences. He grapples with feeling connected yet separate from the world, experiencing earl…

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 1 Part 2

    Chapter 1 Part 2 of 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' describes a household gathering with debates on politics and religion, followed by a boy's school punishment and a moment of reprieve.

  • A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Chapter 1 Part 1

    Chapter 1 Part 1 of 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' follows young Stephen as he navigates childhood complexities, family life during Christmas, and the early development of his identity, faith, and sense of belonging.

  • Dubliners Chapter 15 - The Dead, Part two

    This episode covers the second part of Dubliners Chapter 15, 'The Dead'. It details a social gathering with conversations and toasts, followed by a private hotel room scene prompting reflections on past love and mortality.

  • Dubliners Chapter 15 - The Dead, Part one

    This episode covers the first part of Chapter 15 of Dubliners, titled 'The Dead,' focusing on the Morkan family's annual dance. It details the atmosphere of the gathering, Gabriel Conroy's interactions, and the conversations that touch upo…

  • Dubliners Chapter 14 - Grace

    This episode covers Chapter 14 of Dubliners, titled "Grace." It describes a man being cared for by friends after an accident, leading to discussions about faith, morality, and religious devotion, culminating in reflections on conscience an…

  • Dubliners Chapter 13 - A Mother

    This episode focuses on a mother's efforts to ensure her skilled daughter is treated fairly and compensated at Dublin's patriotic concerts. The narrative highlights themes of pride, indifference, and the intersection of patriotism and art…

  • Dubliners Chapter 12 - Ivy Day In The Committee Room

    This episode covers Chapter 12 of Dubliners, titled 'Ivy Day In The Committee Room.' It explores a discussion among men in a committee room about local politics, the legacy of a leader, and Dublin's future.

  • Dubliners Chapter 11 - A Painful Case

    In Dubliners Chapter 11, A Painful Case, a solitary gentleman experiences a brief companionship that prompts reflections on loneliness and isolation within the suburbs of Dublin.

  • Dubliners Chapter 10 - Clay

    This episode covers Dubliners Chapter 10, "Clay". It describes Maria, who is preparing for a Hallow Eve gathering with a household that gathers in cheerful companionship, enjoying laughter, music, and old memories.

  • Dubliners Chapter 9 - Counterparts

    This episode of The James Joyce Library discusses Dubliners Chapter 9, 'Counterparts,' focusing on a clerk's struggles with his superior, his spirits, and his home life.

  • Dubliners Chapter 8 - A Little Cloud

    In 'Dubliners Chapter 8 - A Little Cloud,' Little Chandler's reunion with his friend Gallaher sparks a desire for a life beyond Dublin. He returns home to face his family and the melancholy of his confined existence.

  • Dubliners Chapter 7 - The Boarding House

    Episode 7 of The James Joyce Library discusses "The Boarding House" from Dubliners. It features a formidable widow managing her boarding house and orchestrating her daughter's situation with a lodger.

  • Dubliners Chapter 6 - Two Gallants

    This episode covers Chapter 6 of James Joyce's Dubliners, titled 'Two Gallants.' It details a walk through Dublin by two young men, their conversation, and a meeting with a woman.

  • Dubliners Chapter 5 - After The Race

    The episode "Dubliners Chapter 5 - After The Race" from "The James Joyce Library" describes a young man named Jimmy's evening after a motor race. He joins Continental friends for activities including conversation, music, and gambling on a…

  • Dubliners Chapter 4 - Eveline

    This episode covers Chapter 4 of Dubliners, "Eveline," focusing on a young woman's internal conflict between her sense of duty and the desire for escape.

  • Dubliners Chapter 3 - Araby

    In "Dubliners Chapter 3 - Araby," a young boy's fascination with a neighbor's sister influences his perception of Dublin and his own desires. An anticipated outing meant to be enchanting ultimately highlights the difference between his ide…

  • Dubliners Chapter 2 - An Encounter

    This episode covers Chapter 2 of Dubliners, "An Encounter," detailing two boys' adventure on the Dublin docks and their unsettling meeting with a strange man.

  • Dubliners Chapter 1 - The Sisters

    This episode of The James Joyce Library discusses Dubliners Chapter 1: The Sisters. It focuses on a young narrator's memories of a deceased priest, exploring themes of ritual, memory, grief, and human frailty.