Ulysses In 80 2026: In Conversation with Joseph Valente

As readers journey into the final third of James Joyce's Ulysses, Professor Joseph Valente joins Ulysses in 80 for a thoughtful conversation exploring identity, belonging, nation, and the enduring humanity at the heart of Joyce's masterpiece.

Together, we discuss Leopold Bloom, Joyce's treatment of Jewishness, questions of gender and sexuality, the complexities of nationalism, and why Ulysses continues to challenge—and reward—readers more than a century after its publication. Rather than offering easy answers, Valente invites us to read with greater curiosity, generosity, and openness.

Ulysses in 80 is a global reading community exploring Ulysses over 80 days bringing together leading Joyce scholars and readers from around the world.

Visit ulyssesin80.com to explore the books, essays, and other references mentioned in this episode, listen to past conversations, and join readers from around the world. Ulysees in 80 is led by Cliona O'Farrelly in Dublin and Mark Sanford Gross in Northern California

Ulysses for Everyone.

Ulysses in 80
A global reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, moving through the book together over eighty days.

📧 Contact: readingulyssesin80@gmail.com

The 2026 reading is June 1 to August 19th.