Ulysses Reading Group

The Ulysses readings with Fritz Senn are held on Thursdays 5-6 pm at the Zurich James Joyce Foundation, Augustinergasse 9, 8001 Zurich. 

Updates about the group's progress are given on this site (see below). 

New readers are always welcome! There is no need to sign up. Simply drop in with your own copy of the book, if you have one. 

The reading groups are sponsored by the Friends of the Foundation so that they can be held free of charge. To contact the Friends or become a supporting member please email friends@joycefoundation.ch.

Thursday, 3 July 2025 (reading cancelled)

The reading of 3 July had to be cancelled at short notice. (Apologies.) The next reading is planned for Thursday, 10 July 2025. 

Thursday, 26 June 2025 (7.614)

The last reading stopped just before the headline “YOU CAN DO IT!” (7.614).

The numbers in 7.614 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (7 = chapter number; 614 = line number).

Penguin (1992): p. 171

Thursday, 19 June 2025 (7.326)

The last reading stopped just before the headline “HIS NATIVE DORIC” (7.326).

The numbers in 7.326 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (7 = chapter number; 326 = line number).

Penguin (1992): p. 160, second line

Thursday, 12 June 2025 (7.60)

The last reading finished “Hades” and started “Aeolus” (chapter 7), stopping at the two lines from the opera Martha:

Co-ome thou lost one,

Co-ome thou dear one. (7.60)

The numbers in 7.60 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (7 = chapter number; 60 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 149, last third of the page

Thursday, 5 June 2025 (6.901)

The last reading stopped at “Good Lord, what became of him?” (6.901)

The numbers in 6.901 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (6 = chapter number; 901 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 142, at ca. one third of the page

Thursday, 22 May 2025 (6.682)

Please note: There will be no reading on Thursday, 29 May (Ascension Day). The next reading will take place on 5 June 2025.

The last reading stopped at: “Troy measure.” (6.682)

The numbers in 6.682 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (6 = chapter number; 682 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 133, 5 lines from bottom of page

Thursday, 15 May 2025 (6.516)

The last reading stopped at: “Too many in the world.” (6.516)

The numbers in 6.516 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (6 = chapter number; 516 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 127, end of second paragraph

Thursday, 8 May 2025 (6.288)

The last reading stopped at: “A stifled sigh came from under Mr Power’s hand.” (6.288)

The numbers in 6.288 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (6 = chapter number; 288 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 118, just after the middle of the page

Thursday, 25 April 2025 (6.53)

Please note: There will be no reading on 1 May 2025 (Labour Day). The next reading will take place on Thursday, 8 May.

The group has now finished reading chapter 5 (“Lotus Eaters”) and started chapter 6 (“Hades”), stopping at: “the wise child that knows her own father” (6.53).

The numbers in 6.53 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (6 = chapter number; 53 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 109

Thursday, 17 April 2025 (5.385)

The last reading stopped at: “Yes: under the bridge.” (5.385)

The numbers in 5.385 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (5 = chapter number; 385 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 100, line 20

Thursday, 10 April 2025 (5.219)

Note: The reading on Thu, 17 April 2025 will go ahead as usual.

The last reading stopped at: “Still their neigh can be very irritating.” (5.219)

Thursday, 3 April 2025 (end of chapter 4)

The reading group has reached the end of chapter 4 (“Calypso”), closing with the words: “Poor Dignam!”

Thursday, 27 March 2025 (4.358)

The last reading stopped at: “Nice name he has.” (4.358)

The numbers in 4.358 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (4 = chapter number; 358 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 78, line 13

Thursday, 21 March 2025 (4.164)

The last reading stopped at: “whack by whack by whack.” (4.164)

The numbers in 4.164 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (4 = chapter number; 164 = line number)

Penguin (1992): p. 71, end of first paragraph

Thursday, 13 March 2025 (end chapter 3)

The last reading saw the end of chapter 3 (“Proteus”). 

Thursday, 6 March 2025 (3.389)

The last reading stopped at: “Passing now.” (3.389)

The numbers in 3.389 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (3 = chapter number; 389 = line number). 

Thursday, 27 February 2025 (3.238)

The last reading stopped at: “Lascivious people” (3.238)

The numbers in 3.238 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (3 = chapter number; 238 = line number).

Thursday, 20 February 2025 (3.78)

The last reading stopped at: “He has washed the upper moiety” (3.78).

The numbers in 3.78 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (3 = chapter number; 78 = line number).

Thursday, 13 February 2025 (2.398)

The last reading stopped at Mr Deasy’s quoting of the phrase:

        For Ulster will fight

        And Ulster will be right.

        (2.398)

The numbers in 2.398 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (2 = chapter number; 398 = line number).

Thursday, 6 February 2025 (2.172)

The last reading stopped at: “tyrants willing to be dethroned” (2.172)

The numbers in 2.172 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (2 = chapter number; 172 = line number).

Thursday, 23 January 2025 (1.665)

The last reading stopped at: 

“Hear, hear! Prolonged applause. Zut! Nom de Dieu!” (1.665)

The numbers in 1.665 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (1 = chapter number; 665 = line number).

Thursday, 17 January 2025 (1.423)

The last reading stopped at: “with wondering unsteady eyes.” (1.423)

The numbers in 1.423 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (1 = chapter number; 423 = line number.

Thursday, 9 January 2025 (1.176)

A new round of Ulysses readings has begun at the Zurich James Joyce Foundation (Augustinergasse 9, Zurich, 2nd floor). 

The readings are free of charge and suited to both beginners and returners. All you need is a basic knowledge of English and your curiosity. If you have a copy of the book, please take it with you. You can join at any point and come back for as long as you wish.New readers are always welcome. 

The first reading stopped at: “omphalos” (1.176)

The numbers in 1.176 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (1 = chapter number; 176 = line number.

New Reading Groups

The Zurich James Joyce Foundation is starting three new Ulysses reading groups in 2025.

The classic reading group with Fritz Senn is starting a new cycle on Thursday, 9 January, 5-6 pm. The close readings are slow-paced and held weekly. 

Two new Ulysses groups – one in English and one in German – are starting with Martin Mühlheim. The readings will be held at longer intervals and take alternating turns. The book will be read in 18 sessions. The German group is starting on Tuesday, 14 January, the English group on Tuesday, 21 January, 6-7 pm. Please consult the programmes below for further details.

No prior knowledge is required. Participants can join at any time. All readings are held at the Zurich James Joyce Foundation, Augustinergasse 9, 8001 Zurich, 2nd floor, info@joycefoundation.ch.

The Zurich Foundation also offers Finnegans Wake readings. More details can be found on the general programme below and on the reading groups' respective online bookmarks: reading on site (Thursday) and reading on Zoom (Tuesdays).

Programme Ulysses in German. Click image to enlarge.

Programme Ulysses in English. Click image to enlarge.

See general programme

Spread the word. Bring a friend. Anyone is welcome.

Thursday, 28 November 2024 (end)

The group has reached the end of Ulysses.

Watch this space or the website of the Zurich James Joyce Foundation to learn when the book will be picked up again in 2025. 

Both beginners and experienced readers continue to be welcome!

Thursday, 21 November 2024 (18.1388)

The last reading stopped at: “sweepingbrush men again all over” (18.1388), ca. 20 lines into the paragraph beginning “no thats no way for him”.

One favourite passage was:

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 7 November 2024 (18.1148)

Please note that there will be no reading on  14 November. The next reading will take place on Thursday, 21 November.

The last reading stopped at the end of the sixth “sentence” at: “down at Lahore” (18.1148).

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 31 October 2024 (18.874)

The last reading stopped near the end of the long fifth “sentence”: “Frseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeefrong” (18.874)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 24 October 2024 (18.634)

The last reading stopped eleven lines below “x x x x x”: “I never heard of such a thing in all my life” (18.634)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 17 October 2024 (18.397)

The last reading stopped at: “it wouldnt have been so bad” (18.397)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 10 October 2024 (18.132)

The last reading saw the end of chapter 17 (“Ithaca”) and started off with “Penelope”, stopping at: “a fine salty taste yes because” (18.132)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 3 October 2024 (17.2209)

The last reading stopped at: “ separator from both.” (17.2209)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 26 September 2024 (17.1901)

The last reading stopped at: “the sanctity of the sabbath.” (17.1901)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 19 Semptember 2024 (17.1615)

The last reading stopped at: “left Kingstown for England):” (17.1615)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 12 September 2024 (17.1278)

The last reading stopped at: “transmitted and registered.” (17.1278)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Next reading: 12 September 2024

Please note that the Zurich Foundation is taking a break over the summer: There will be no Ulysses readings from 18 July - 5 September. The first reading after the break will be held on 12 September.

Visitors are still welcome to drop in or to use the library throughout the summer (opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm).

Thursday, 11 July 2024 (17.972)

The last reading stopped at: “their residences (if both speakers were resident in different places). (17.972)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 4 July 2024 (17.634)

The last reading stopped at: 

Did he attribute this homonymity to information or coincidence or intuition?

Coincidence.

(17.634) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 27 June 2024 (17.376)

The group has started episode 17 (“Ithaca”) and stopped at: “a presentable condition” (17.376)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden for the place

9 June 2024

This online bookmark will be paused for a couple of weeks. It will be resumed after Thursday, 27 June 2024. We are sorry for the interruption.

Thursday, 30 May 2024 (16.1649)

The last reading stopped at: “the keeper of the shanty who didn't seem to.” (16.1649)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 23 May 2024 (16.1379)

At the last reading, the group started the paragraph beginning “This gratuitous contribution” and stopped midway at: “simply coined shoals of money out of” (16.1379). 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden for the update

Thursday, 16 May 2024 (18.1118)

The last reading stopped at: “so as the others in case they.” (16.1118)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 2 May 2024 (16.)

Please Note that there will be no reading on Ascension Day (Thursday, 9 May 2024).

The last reading stopped at: “medical analysis involved” (16.806)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 25 April 2024 (16.486)

The last reading stopped at: 

— Glass. That boggles 'em. Glass. (16.486) 

For an image of the postcard that the sailor is showing off, see Aida Yared's page JoyceImages.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 18 April 2024 (16.171)

The group has finished episode 15 (“Circe”) and reached the following place in episode 16 (“Eumaeus”): “though he hadn't said a word about it” (16.171)

Thursday, 11 April 2024 (15.4716)

The last reading stopped at: “Goooooooooood” (15.4716)

Thursday, 4 April 2024 (15.4313)

The last reading stopped with Bloom's words: “I need mountain air” (15.4313). The place is followed by long stage directions printed in italics.

For those who are interested and have time after the reading next Thursday (April 11): Ulrich Blumenbach will speak about his rendition into German of Joyce's Finnegans Wake.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 21 March 2024 (15.3931)

Please note: There will be no reading on Maundy Thursday (Gründonnerstag), 28 March 2024. The reading group will gather again on April 4.

The last reading stopped at Stephen's: “Where's the red carpet spread?” (15.3931)

This is a little before SIMON's, and then the CROWD's, somewhat longer passages.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 14 March 2024 (15.3481)

The last reading stopped at BELLA's words: “You'll know me the next time.” (15.3481)

One favourite passage was:

      © Sabrina Alonso

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 7 March 2024 (15.3026)

The last reading stopped at: “Many. Hundreds.” (15.3026), just before THE SINS OF THE PAST speak.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 29 February 2024 (15.2576)

The last reading stopped with Virag's words: “A son of a whore. Apocalypse.” (15.2576)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 22 February 2024 (15.2250)

The last reading stopped at Mr Lyster's “high pagoda hat” (15.2250) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 15 February 2024 (15.1895)

The last reading stopped at the verse which hides a four-letter word: 

THE PRISON GATE GIRLS: 

If you see Kay

Tell him he may
See you in tea

Tell him from me.

(15.1895) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 8 February 2024 (15.1448)

The last reading stopped at:

THE PEERS:

I do become your liege man of life and limb to earthly worship. (15.1448)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 25 January 2024 (15.1012)

Please note that there will be no reading next Thursday, 1 February 2024. The Ulysses group will meet again on 8 February.

The last reading stopped with Bloom's words at: “Sir Bob, I said ......” (15.1012)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Award for Fritz Senn

Fritz Senn was awarded the “Presidential Distinguished Service Award” by Michael D. Higgins, president of Ireland, on Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

video

You may enjoy this video recording, particularly at around 9 min 30 s.

Announcement Irish Diaspora

Thursday, 18 January 2024 (15.576)

The last reading stopped line number 576 (episode 15) with the words:

MRS BREEN

(eagerly) Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Thursday, 11 January 2024 (15.189)

The group has finished reading chapter 14 (“Oxen of the Sun”). It has now started chapter 15 (“Circe”) and reached the following place:

THE GONG

Bang Bang Bla Bak Blud Bugg Bloo. (15.189)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 21 December 2023 (14.1498)

The last reading stopped around two pages before the end of the chapter at: “Ex!” (14.1498)

Please note that there will be no reading between Christmas and New Year. The next reading will be held on Thursday, 11 January 2024.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 14 December 2023 (14.1285)

The last reading stopped at: “the survival of the fittest” (14.1285). This is about two thirds into the paragraph beginning, “It had better be stated here and now” (14.1223).

The numbers 14.1285 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (14 = episode number; 1285 = line number). 

Please note that there will be no readings between Christmas and New Year.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 7 December 2023 (14.1037)

The last reading stopped at: “Murderer's ground” (14.1037)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 16 November 2023 (14.473)

The last reading stopped at: “to bring brenningly biddeth.” (14.473)

The numbers 14.473 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (14 = episode number; 473 = line number). 

Thursday, 9 November 2023 (14.276)

The last reading stopped at: “those wastrels and murdered his goods with whores.” (14.276)

Thursday, 2 November 2023 (14.70)

The group has now finished chapter 13 (“Nausicaa”) and started challenging chapter 14 (“Oxen of the Sun”). It stopping at: “it is come by her thereto to lie in, her term up” (14.70), about two pages into the episode if you are using the Gabler edition.

The numbers 14.70 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (14 = episode number; 70 = line number). 

With thanks to Werner Neck

Thursday, 26 October 2023 (13.1100)

The reading stopped at: “Lovers: yum yum.” (13.1100)

The numbers 13.51100 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (13 = episode number; 1100 = line number) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 19 October 2023 (13.849)

The last reading stopped at: “O, he did. Into her. She did. Done.” (13.849)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 12 October 2023 (13.504)

The last reading stopped at: “to see the difference for himself.” (13.504) (Penguin edition: p. 468)

The numbers 13.504 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (13 = episode number; 504 = line number) 

With thanks to Werner Neck

Thursday, 5 October 2023 (end of chapter 12, “Cyclops”)

The group has finished chapter 12 (“Cyclops”).

Thursday, 28 September 2023 (12.1771)

The last reading stopped at:

— Off with you, says Martin to the jarvey. (12.1771)

Here's an illustrated passage from the reading:

The numbers 12.1771 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (12 = episode number; 1771 = line number) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 21 September 2023 (12.1437)

The last reading stopped at: “repeat after me the following words.” (12.1437)

The numbers 12.1437 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (12 = episode number; 1437 = line number) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 14 September 2023 (12.1110)

The last reading halted at: “I dismiss the case.” (12.1110)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 7 September 2023 (12.799)

The last reading stopped at: “would deprive me even of speech” (12.799)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 31 August 2023 (12.497)

The last reading stopped at: “Near ate the tin and all, hungry bloody mongrel.” (12.497)

A favourite passage was:

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 24 August 2023 (12.205)

The last reading finished chapter 11 (“Sirens”) and started chapter 12 (“Cyclops”). 

The group stopped at: “fashioned out of paleolithic stone.” (12.205), a “name-dropping” passage, which will be picked up again at the next reading.

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 17 August 2023 (11.1184)

The last reading stopped at: “That rules the world.” (11.1184)

Summer break: Please note that there will be no readings from 20 July–13 August. The Foundation remains open for visitors, however. 

*     *     *

The last reading stopped at: “Deaf beetle he is.” (12.911)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden.

Thursday, 6 July 2023 (11.662)

The last reading stopped at: “as in cool glaucous eau de Nil Mina to tankards two her pinnacles of gold” (11.662)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 29 June 2023 (11.415)

The last reading stopped at: 

— La cloche! cried gleeful Lenehan. Trained by owner. No sawdust there.

(11.415)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 22 June 2023 (11.63)

The reading group has finished episode 10 (“Wandering Rocks”) and started the next episode (“Sirens”) with its “overture”. 

It stopped at: “Begin!” (11.63)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 15 June 2023 (10.1041)

The last reading stopped at:

— The lord lieutenantgeneral ... from the stairfoot. (10.1041)

The numbers 10.1041 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (10 = episode number; 1041 = line number) 

With thanks to Ralph Wettach

Thursday, 8 June 2023 (10.716)

The last reading stopped at: “Is it little sister Monica!” (10.716)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 1 June 2023 (10.336)

The last reading stopped at: “May I say a word to your telephone, missy?” (10.336)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 25 May 2023 (10.82)

The last reading stopped at: “Virtuous: but occasionally they were also badtempered.” (10.82)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden 

Thursday, 11 May 2023 (9.982)

Please note: There will be no reading on Thursday, 18 May (Ascension Day). The next reading will take place on 25 May 2023.

The last reading stopped at: “My kingdom for a drink. On.” (9.982)

Thursday, 4 May 2023 (9.740)

The last reading stopped at: “the palm of beauty?” (9.740)

The next paragraph begins: “— And the sense of property, Stephen said.” (9.741)

The numbers 9.740 refer to the place in the text edited by Hans Walter Gabler (9 = episode number; 740 = line number) 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden 

Thursday, 20 April 2023 (9.220)

The last reading stopped at: “on his deathbed.” (9.220)

The next paragraphs begins: “Mother's deathbed.” (9.221)

Thursday, 13 April 2023 (8.1150)

The last reading stopped at: “Pity, of course: but somehow you can't cotton on to them someway.” (8.1150). 

The next paragraph begins: “Sir Frederick Falkiner” (8.1151)

Reading cancelled

Please note that today's and next week's reading (30 March and 6 April 2023) have had to be cancelled at short notice.

Thursday, 23 March 2023 (8.863)

The last reading stopped at: “Bleibtreustrasse. Yes but what about oysters.” (8.863)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 16 March 2023 (8.563)

The last reading stopped at: “If you imagine it's there you can almost see it. Can't see it.” (8.560)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 9 March 2023 (8.305)

The last reading stopped rather appropriately at: “She broke off suddenly.” (8.305)

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 2 March 2023 (end of episode 7)

At the last reading, the group finished episode 7 (“Aeolus”). 

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 23 February 2023 (7.753)

The last reading stopped at: “What was that? the professor asked” (7.753). The next one will pick up from the headline reading: 

ITALIA, MAGISTRA ARTIUM

With thank to Pino Aschwanden

Thursday, 9 February 2023 (end of episode 6, Hades)

The group has now reached the end of episode 6 (“Hades”).

With thanks to Pino Aschwanden for his regular updates about the group's progress.