Books

Octavo, 299pp. A crisp, clean, very good or better copy in the publisher's blue cloth, stamped in blind on the front board, with gilt spine title. In the scarce dust jacket, also stating "Sixth Printing," with some small chips to the spine ends, darkening to the spine panel, and a medium piece flapping at the base of the spine (though intact); still very good and with no sophistications. Publisher's $2.00 price present on both the spine and the front flap. Joyce's first novel is very uncommon in the early printings, and this sixth overall American printing represents the first done by Viking, executed in the first year of that company's existence, and as such one of its first publications. Heubsch, which had published "Portrait" up to this point, was acquired by Viking that same year, and thus took over future reprints. Decidedly uncommon in dust jacket, and--while a notable edition on its own--certainly also an appealing placeholder for anyone saving their pennies for the first American printing in dust jacket, which will set one back five figures.

"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.