I must agree with Robert, this book is a revelation to those wishing to transcend the classics. My thoughts have never been the same since I read and wrote an essay on this book. Joyce's ability to utilise and completely revolutionise the different literary genres is testament to the genius of the man. Oxen is pure fantastical metaphysics, his ability to control the gestation of the English language from the Anglo Saxon to the gutter slang of modern life. Joyce did not create a book to read, he created a book to think.