The Enigma of Leopold Bloom

On this episode of the Irish History Show we spoke to Professor Neil Davison and Vincent Altman O’Connor about the Irish – Jewish politician Albert L. Altman. We explored the idea that Altman is a possible inspiration for Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Professor Neil Davison is a member of the faculty of the School of Writing, Literature and Film at Oregon State University. Professor Davison’s works include James Joyce, “Ulysses,” and the Construction of Jewish Identity; Jewishness and Masculinity from the Modern to the Postmodern and An Irish-Jewish Politician, Joyce’s Dublin, and Ulysses: The Life and Times of Albert L. Altman.

Vincent Altman O’Connor is a civil servant and a descendant of Albert Altman. He has written and lectured on Bloom and Altman.

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Intro / Outro music “Sliabh” from Aislinn. Licensed under creative commons from the free music archive.