Books

First edition in book form, first printing, of the author's first novel, a landmark work of modernist literature. Portrait was serialized in The Egoist between 2 February 1914 and 1 September 1915. Because of the hostile reaction to its serialization, and for fear of prosecution under British obscenity laws, no English publisher would print the book, and it was Huebsch who undertook the true first publication in book form. Huebsch reserved from his print run about 750 sets of sheets for issue in Britain the following February. Although the number of copies originally issued in America is unknown, it is unlikely to have been large, as Huebsch had sold out by March 1917 and called for a second printing in April. Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front cover lettered in blind. Housed in a custom black quarter morocco folding box. Gift inscription, dated 1947, to front free endpaper. Spine toned, cloth a little rubbed and marked, inner hinges cracked but sound, short closed tear to lower margin of title page, contents lightly toned but clean. A very good copy. Slocum & Cahoon A11.

"A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" by James Joyce is a bildungsroman that chronicles the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of Stephen Dedalus. The novel is divided into five chapters, each representing a different phase in Stephen's life. In the early chapters, Joyce portrays Stephen's formative years in a strict Catholic environment. He grapples with the conflict between religious devotion and burgeoning individualism. Stephen's experiences at Clongowes Wood College and Belvedere College expose him to the harsh realities of authority, conformity, and social expectations. As Stephen matures, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the rigid dogmas of the Catholic Church. His intellectual awakening leads to a rejection of religious constraints and a pursuit of artistic expression and self-discovery. Throughout the narrative, Stephen grapples with guilt over his perceived sins, especially his sensual desires and lapses in religious devotion. His internal struggles are depicted with introspective depth, as he grapples with conflicting emotions and the tension between societal norms and personal freedom. The novel culminates in Stephen's departure from Ireland, symbolizing his rejection of the confines of his homeland, both religiously and artistically. He seeks to forge his own identity as an artist, embracing the idea of self-exile to achieve intellectual and creative independence. Joyce's prose employs stream-of-consciousness technique, offering readers insight into Stephen's inner thoughts and emotional turmoil. Through vivid and evocative language, he captures the intricacies of Stephen's mind as he grapples with his evolving beliefs and desires. "Portrait" is a groundbreaking work that explores themes of identity, alienation, religion, and the pursuit of artistic integrity. It stands as a seminal example of modernist literature, challenging traditional narrative structures and delving into the complexities of human consciousness. Joyce's masterpiece remains a significant contribution to literature, celebrated for its innovative style and profound exploration of the artist's journey toward self-realization and autonomy.