Declan Kiberd argues that 'Ulysses', far from being the epitome of elitism, was always intended as a book for the common people. Kiberd explains that Joyce's book offers a democratic model for living well under the pressures of the modern world.

This work provides many facts about Joyce's life and works, and explains the contexts in which he was writing. It also talks about the different critical approaches that have been used in his studies, and covers his major works, including 'Ulysses', 'Finnegans Wake', and 'Dubliners'.