Book of the Month: James Joyce, Ulysses Map

Some books transcend time. Literary classics like Ulysses by James Joyce endure not just because of their innovation or impact, but because they enrich us, reminding readers of the artistry behind storytelling.

In Ulysses, Joyce invites us to experience Dublin on a single summer day: June 16, 1904. Through the eyes of three characters, Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom, he crafts a vivid, layered portrait of city life. Now, with the Ulysses Literary Map, you can trace their steps across Dublin, following the winding, whimsical, and often poignant paths they take.

Why Ulysses Still Matters

It’s true, Ulysses has a reputation for being complex. Packed with literary devices, shifting styles, humour, and stream-of-consciousness narration, it can feel like a daunting read. But beneath the surface is a rich, human story: full of introspection, tenderness, absurdity, and a deep love for Dublin.

Joyce knew the city intimately,  he was born there, and although he left at 22, his connection to it remained strong. The novel’s events unfold across a single day, the very day Joyce had his first romantic encounter with his future wife, Nora Barnacle. It’s a book of wanderings, best enjoyed by readers willing to get a little lost.

A Visual Companion to the Text

The Ulysses Literary Map captures the novel’s wandering spirit through a beautifully designed guide. Echoing the colour palette and design cues of the original 1922 edition, it charts the key locations and episodes across the city, from Sandymount Strand to Eccles Street.

Leopold Bloom, the novel’s heart, is a kind, contemplative figure whose path meanders with purpose and distraction alike. Now, you too can follow along, tracing Joyce’s Dublin through the lens of Bloom’s journey. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new reader, the map brings Ulysses to life in a fresh, accessible way.

Bloomsday & Beyond

“A procession of whitesmocked sandwichmen marched slowly towards him along the gutter...”

June 16, now known as Bloomsday, is celebrated worldwide in Joyce’s honour. It’s a day of literary pilgrimage, when readers and fans gather to retrace Bloom’s steps in real life. This map makes an ideal companion to those celebrations, offering a deeper connection to the story and the streets that shaped it.

The Perfect Gift for Literature Lovers

Thoughtful, unique, and beautifully produced, the Ulysses Literary Map is an excellent gift for fans of Irish literature, modernist fiction, or anyone captivated by Joyce’s groundbreaking novel. It’s a map, a piece of art, and a tribute, all in one.