The author of Ulysses had extraordinary vocal ability, and in 1904 came within inches of stardom—before stubbornness, not lack of talent, derailed him.
Joyce’s fixation with Sullivan reminds me of a similar story about C. S. Lewis. Lewis also had an obsession with the self-taught critic and fantasy writer Charles Williams. He told a friend that you could easily identify Williams if you saw him walking down the street because he “resembled a god”. The friend had in fact seen Williams walking down the street and thought he looked like a shop assistant.
What can one say. Thank you.
Amazing essay. Thank you so much.
Joyce’s fixation with Sullivan reminds me of a similar story about C. S. Lewis. Lewis also had an obsession with the self-taught critic and fantasy writer Charles Williams. He told a friend that you could easily identify Williams if you saw him walking down the street because he “resembled a god”. The friend had in fact seen Williams walking down the street and thought he looked like a shop assistant.
Another outstanding read, thank you, Ted!