Joyce, James.

4to (241 x 188mm.), no.XVI of 20 copies on vélin d'Arches printed hors-commerce for the author (out of 200 copies printed hors-commerce, and a total edition of 1200), presentation copy inscribed by the author to his family doctor on the half-title ("To | Dr Sonia Fabre | in token of his respect and gratitude | James Joyce | Neuilly-sur-Seine | 28 February 1929."), original upper cream wrapper and spine printed in blue bound in, rebound in contemporary or near contemporary dark green morocco, lettering in gilt inset in upper cover, decorated endpapers, edges untrimmed, preserved in black chemise and quarter black morocco slipcase, binding very slightly rubbed, wrapper very slightly soiled

Slocum & Cahoon D17

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of the rare author's copies, a fine presentation copy to Joyce's French doctor.

Sonia Fabre came from a Russian family and studied in France under Marie Curie. She was a wealthy woman and included the Duchess of Uzès among her clientele. In 1918, while working as a volunteer with Professor Hartmann at the Hotel-Dieu hospital, she was the first to propose a campaign against cancer on both scientific and social fronts. Joyce's recurring health problems, especially with his eyesight, led him to consult her regularly while he was living in Paris.

The process of translating Ulysses into French had started  before the first edition in English was published in 1922. Most famously, Benoîst-Mechin had suggested, and Joyce had approved, Molly Bloom's final "yes" as part of the process of translating the last chapter Penelope for a reading and lecture given by Valery Larbaud in December 1921. Mechin's contribution, together with others who assisted Morel or Larbaud, is not credited on the title page.