We are delighted to host this in person Greek-Irish Society event and to welcome their members to our new premises at Agras 23.

Abstract

Phil Holden presents a brief introduction to the life of the Irish writer James Joyce, with the distinct focus on his greatest work, Ulysses. In addition to exploring the remarkable story of Joyce’s struggle to write and publish Ulysses in the face of accusations of obscenity, the talk will throw light on the brilliance of the book itself, its literary inventiveness and, above all, its ingenious retelling of Homer’s Odyssey.

When Ulysses was published in 1922 it changed literature, while also creating an enduring connection between Irish and Greek literature to be celebrated and cherished even now, more than a century later. Come along to the presentation, learn about a remarkable work of literature, and be persuaded to delve deeper into this fascinating book.

About the speaker

Phil Holden has lived in Athens for nearly thirty years. He is the headmaster of St. Lawrence College, a British school based in southern Athens. Holding dual British-Irish nationality, Phil has been a Joyce enthusiast since first encountering the author's works as a teenager. He is married to Argyri.