Books

New York: B.W. Huebsch, 1916. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine. First edition, first printing. [v], 299 pp. Bound in publisher's blue cloth with gilt spine lettering, blind stamped front board. A Near Fine copy with an owner inscription on top of first page, dated 1917; small faint stains to front board and top edge, little bit of rubbing to head and foot. Nice, crisp blindstamping to the front board. Lacking jacket. An attractive copy of the first novel by the innovative Irish writer, printed in the US before its British issue.

"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.

The first edition of "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," encased in blue cloth and printed by B.W. Huebsch in New York, bears the copyright date "1916" on its page, devoid of subsequent printings. It has a creamy colored dust jacket.