A Woodbine date with Ulysses, Alexander the Great ... and the O'Briens

Some readings in Woodbine Books on Saturday 9 July should entertain those who have hesitated to tackle James Joyce's Ulysses but would like to experience a 'remake', writes Brian Byrne.

The event will also feature a lyrical introduction to the pre-Christian warrior, warlord and conqueror Alexander the Great.

And if that all sounds heavy, it certainly won't be. Most likely it'll be a hoot.

The gig features John Maxwell O'Brien and Christine O'Brien. An emeritus professor of History at Queen's College, Connecticut, John's contribution is a novel, Aloysius the Great, about a young alcoholic American professor in England in the swinging sixties, negotiating rebellious students, drugs, sex and academic politics in a parallel way to characters from Ulysses.

John is also a biographer of Alexander the Great — Alexander the Great: The Invisible Enemy — and was the historical advisor to Christine's epic poem Alexander the Great: A Lyrical Biography.

The event starts at 2pm on the day and is worth a space in your diary. The O'Briens have Kilcullen connections.

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