Translating Ulysses

James Joyce's novel Ulysses (1922) has been translated into at least 43 languages. Published in English and set in Dublin, the novel is renowned for its linguistic complexity, use of multiple literary styles, extensive wordplay, and dense cultural references that present exceptional challenges for translators. The first translations appeared during Joyce's lifetime: German (1927), French (1929), Czech (1930), and Japanese (1931). Joyce was personally involved in the French translation. Several languages have multiple translations, with Italian having nine versions and Portuguese six.