Joyce, James.

oblong folio (255 x 328mm.), first English edition printed in France, no.10 of 25 copies on Japan nacre, nine leaves in facsimile of author's hand, initial letters before each poem designed and illuminated by Lucia Joyce, transparent tissue before each poem (with printed text of each poem in green in lower left corner), unbound as issued in portfolio of green watered silk over boards, green ribbon ties, upper cover stamped in gilt with facsimile of Joyce's hand, some slight spotting to edges of text and portfolio, spine of portfolio slightly discoloured

Slocum & Cahoon A27; Pearson A-17 (this copy "Private Collection, London",  one of 12 recorded surviving copies from the edition of 25)

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."

The special Obelisk Press/ Desmond Harmsworth edition of Pomes Penyeach, one of only four copies in the de luxe issue recorded as surviving in private hands. The first edition (see previous lot) had been published by Shakespeare & Co. in 1927; the second edition was published in 1931 by Princeton University Press in an edition of 50 copies to secure American copyright, and a pirated edition of 103 copies appeared in Cleveland in the same year.

The idea for this illumintated edition was initially suggested to Joyce by Caresse Crosby, who had seen and admired Lucia's designs for a musical setting of Joyce's poems. The author, desperate to find some productive work for his daughter in the hope that it would improve her rapidly deteriorating mental health, approached Jack Kahane, who had previously produced a limited edition of Haveth Childers Everywhere. The entire edition was just 25 copies, with Joyce persuading Kahane to give Lucia 33% of the net profits.