Episode 44: Eric Wagner on Straight Outta Dublin

Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape[2][3][5].

Finnegans Wake is James Joyce's final and most complex work, written over a period of seventeen years. The novel is set in a dream world where the protagonist, Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker (HCE), and his family—wife Anna Livia Plurabelle (ALP) and their children Shem, Shaun, and Issy—undergo various transformations and identities. The book is known for its innovative use of language, combining elements from multiple languages and creating new words through portmanteaus and puns. It explores themes of identity, history, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing on Irish mythology, biblical narratives, and personal experiences. The novel's structure is circular, ending with the sentence that begins the book, creating a continuous loop[3][4][5].

The book, written by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, presents a controversial hypothesis that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross but lived to marry Mary Magdalene and father children. These children, according to the authors, became part of the Merovingian bloodline in southern France. The book delves into the history of the Knights Templar, the Priory of Sion, and other secret societies, suggesting they were involved in protecting and promoting this bloodline. Despite its provocative claims, the book has been criticized by scholars for lacking historical evidence and being classified as pseudohistory[2][5][5].

Published in 1973, 'Gravity's Rainbow' is a sprawling narrative that delves into the secret development and deployment of the V-2 rocket by the Nazis. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including Lieut. Tyrone Slothrop, an American working for Allied Intelligence in London, who becomes embroiled in a mysterious connection between his erections and the targeting of incoming V-2 rockets. The novel is characterized by its complex and diverse prose, incorporating elements of history, philosophy, psychology, and science fiction. It explores themes of paranoia, the impact of technology, and the blurring of lines between reality and fiction. The novel won the National Book Award for fiction in 1974 and is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece[1][3][5].

Dubliners is a collection of short stories by James Joyce, first published in 1914. The stories are arranged to track the lives of Dubliners from childhood to old age, exploring themes such as the 'paralysis' of Irish society, the desire for escape, and the intersection of life and death. Each story features a different plot and characters but is connected by the theme of epiphany, where characters experience life-changing moments of revelation. The collection is known for its realistic portrayal of Dublin life, highlighting issues such as alcoholism, religious tension, and political concerns of the time[1][3][4].

Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson is a profound exploration of human consciousness, blending psychology, neuroscience, and esoteric philosophy. The book uses the Eight Circuit Model of Consciousness to explain how the human mind operates and how it can be developed. Wilson challenges readers to question their conditioned beliefs and offers practical exercises and humor to make complex ideas accessible. The book aims to help readers break free from imprinted and programmed behavior, enhancing their cognitive abilities and consciousness through techniques like meditation and biofeedback. It encourages a broad perspective and self-awareness, inviting readers to become conscious participants in their own evolution and to unlock their full potential[2][3][4].

In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.

This biography by Walter J. Moore provides a detailed account of Erwin Schrödinger's life, including his discovery of wave mechanics and his influential book 'What is Life?'. It explores Schrödinger's intense life in both scientific research and personal relationships, set against the backdrop of Europe during times of change and unrest. The book appeals to both scientists and those interested in the history of the 20th century.

The Illuminatus Trilogy is a complex and multifaceted work that blends elements of science fiction, satire, and conspiracy theories. The narrative is nonlinear, switching between third- and first-person perspectives, and includes a wide range of themes such as counterculture, numerology, and Discordianism. The story involves a millennia-old conflict between the Illuminati and the Discordian Society, incorporating historical references and surrealist fantasy. It features a diverse array of characters and scenarios, including talking dolphins, secret societies, and historical figures, all woven together in a style that challenges the reader's perceptions of reality and believability. The trilogy was written by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson during their time as associate editors at Playboy magazine, inspired by the paranoid correspondence they received on civil liberties[2][4][5].

James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the intellectual and artistic development of Stephen Dedalus, a young man growing up in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. The novel explores Stephen's journey of self-discovery, his struggles with religious faith, and his burgeoning artistic ambitions. Joyce's masterful use of language and stream-of-consciousness technique captures the complexities of Stephen's inner life, his emotional turmoil, and his artistic awakening. The novel is considered a masterpiece of modernist literature, its themes of self-discovery and artistic creation continue to resonate with readers today. It's a coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of identity and artistic expression.