Books

First edition in book form, first printing, of Joyce's first novel, scarce in any state but especially rare retaining the dust jacket. Due at least in part to the hostile reaction to its serialization in The Egoist, no English printer would print the book for fear of prosecution under the obscenity laws. It was Huebsch who undertook the true first publication in book form, on 29 December 1916. He reserved from his print run about 750 sets of sheets for issue in the UK the following February. Although the number of copies originally issued in America is unknown, it is unlikely to have been large since Huebsch had sold out by March 1917 and called for a second printing by April. Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front cover lettered in blind. With dust jacket. Housed in a custom blue quarter morocco slipcase and chemise. Neat contemporary ownership signature to front pastedown, bookseller's ticket (Gotham Book Mart) to rear pastedown. Light rubbing at extremities otherwise a fine copy, bright and tight, in very good, restored jacket, loss to lettering on spine panel though all lettering unaffected on front and rear panels: a creditable example of a particularly rare jacket. 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.