h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I am completely prepared to believe that to FULLY appreciate Ulysses, every word in this entry is the gospel truth. However, without any knowledge of the Homeric basis of the novel, great enjoyment can be derived from what I perceive as deliciously humorous writing, on a non-intellectual, not to say philistine level. This is particularly true of the sections set in the pub and in the library, and is augmented if you can hear the Irish accents in your head.
It is many decades since I read any Homer, and I can't remember a word of any of it now. Even if you are as much of an ignoramus as I am, don't be put off. Just read it for your own pure, innocent pleasure, without any feelings of guilt about what you are "supposed" to think.

That's absolutely right.