For James Joyce fans around the world, June 16 is a reincarnation of the modernist classic novel Ulysses penned by their revered Irish poet and novelist in 1914. The day commemorates the setting of his 1922-published book that chronicles the travels on foot by his protagonist Leopold Bloom in Dublin, Ireland. Joyce considered it memorable to use the date in his story as it was the same date when he had his first tryst with his muse and then wife-to-be Nora Barnacle.
Today, June 16 is known as “Bloomsday” among Joyce enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrations include reliving Leopold Bloom’s rather strange breakfast of fowl innards, staging musical cabaret, or hosting poetry reading, among others.
Ulysses is the Latinized name of Homer’s protagonist Odysseus and eponymous poem, on which Joyce also patterned his story. First serialized in the American journal The Little Review, Ulysses appeared on the journal from 1918 to 1920. It was then published by American bookseller and publisher Sylvia Beach two years later. Joyce significant contribution to literature has made him “one of the most influential writers in the modernist avant-garde of the early 20th century.” The novel is also seen as one of the most important works in modern literature.
To find out more how different countries celebrate this Joyce-inspired literary event, visit this link.