Sheehan continues his guides to anglophone literature by parsing the novel considered by many to be one of the more difficult canonical works by Irish writer James Joyce (1882-1941). He places the writing of it within the political and social context of the time, showing how distinct passages, with their plurality of voices, reflect particular events in the non-fiction world. He covers contexts; language, style, and form; reading Ulysses; critical reception and publishing history; and adaptation, interpretation, and influence. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)