Blooms & Barnacles

We discuss Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novel Venus in Furs

Listen to the full version at patreon.com/barnaclecast 

Put on your costliest frillies!

Topics in this episode include Bloom's literary interest, Aristotle's Masterpiece, Fair Tyrants, Victorian flagellation literature, Molly's desire for some decent erotica, the origins of Sweets of Sin, why Bloom chooses Sweets of Sin, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, the novel Venus in Furs, masochism in literature, Bloom's inclination towards masochism, Joyce's interest in masochism, the influence of Venus in Furs on Ulysses, Joyce's love letters, and why it matters that Bloom is a "womanly man."

Sweets of Sin

Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

We tell the story of Silken Thomas' rebellion in 1534.

To listen to the full episode or watch a video version, please visit patreon.com/barnaclecast 

All you need is Love.

Topics in this episode include tertiary Ulysses characters, Ned Lambert, J.J. O'Molloy, the many lives of St. Mary's Abbey, the Reverend Hugh C. Love, the Fitzgeralds, Silken Thomas' rebellion, what Reverend Love gets right and wrong about history, how Church and State are allies rather than rivals, Irish history through a Protestant lens, the Great Earl burning down Cashel Cathedral, pretenders to the throne, the Tholsel, and the Ford of the Hurdles.

Support us on Patreon to get episodes early, and to access bonus content and a video version of our podcast.

The Most Historic Spot in All Dublin

Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

I hope you didn't expect us to know Italian.

Topics in this episode include the real Almidano Artifoni, why he wears such stiff trousers, what he and Stephen are talking about in "Wandering Rocks," James Joyce's early passion for the Italian language, Joyce's early days in Trieste, his friendship with Artifoni, the Nolan, Christopher Nolan, Stephen's search for a father, and Joyce's brief music career.

Who was the real Almidano Artifoni?

Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

We discuss the history of two historic houses in Ireland -- Aldborough House and Belvedere House.

To listen to the complete episode or watch a video version, visit patreon.com/barnaclecast

What is Dublin without Church and State?

Topics in this episode include Stephen/Joyce's past with Father Conmee, what Father Conmee represents, the eternal battle between Church and State (is it even a battle?), the collusion between Church and State, Father Conmee's fondness for high-class women, which children Father Conmee likes, Father Conmee's love of the aristocracy, the pawnbrokers of souls, Father Conmee's love of missions to Africa, St. Peter Claver, joybells in gay Malahide, Old Times in the Barony, Mary Rochfort, the parable of the unjust steward, Father Conmee's uncharitable charity, the General Slocum, Fr. Bernard Vaughan, and the Lady Maxwell question.

The Superior, The Very Reverend John Conmee S. J.

Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

We discuss the June 15, 1904 General Slocum disaster.

To listen to or watch the full episode, visit patreon.com/barnaclecast 

Here be dragons.

Topics in this episode include why “Wandering Rocks” is the least Homeric episode of Ulysses, why the name “Wandering Rocks” isn’t quite right, how Jason escaped the Wandering Rocks, how Leopold Bloom is a mightier hero than Odysseus, correspondences for “Wandering Rocks,” the “blind mechanism” of the Wandering Rocks, clockspeed, how to escape the labyrinth, Joyce’s favorite board game, whether or not Joyce would have been a David Bowie fan, traps in “Wandering Rocks,” blood and currency, the precision of “Wandering Rocks,” and re-creating “Wandering Rocks” as street theater.

Ulysses & The Odyssey - Wandering Rocks

Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

This month, we tell the story of how Dubliners got published and read Joyce's most scorched-earth poem, "Gas from a Burner."

Listen to the full episode and see a video version at patreon.com/barnaclecast