[Joyce, Lucia]--Chaucer, Geoffrey

4to, FIRST EDITION, NO. 80 OF 300 COPIES ON ARCHES MOULD-MADE VELLUM PAPER, original pale blue card wrappers printed in blue, original  blue paper-covered case and slipcase, spine and edges lined with silver paper, minor spotting to endpapers, case slightly worn, slipcase slightly torn with some minor spotting

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."

A scarce copy of the alphabet book with illuminated initials by Lucia Joyce.

Joyce's daughter Lucia (1907-1982) led an extremely troubled and turbulent life. The design of illuminated letters was one of a number of different paths she pursued at various times, probably in imitation of her father's life as a creative artist: others included singing, dancing and writing. Her increasingly erratic and disturbing behaviour in the Joyce household, her sexual precocity and her extremely difficult relationship with her mother Nora led in 1932 to consultations with doctors, the beginning of long periods of time in clinics, and many injections and operations. It is now generally accepted that Lucia was a strong influence on and is a pervasive presence in Finnegans Wake. Louis Gillet, who contributed a preface to A Chaucer A.B.C., spoke of the "Passion of the Father" and commented that Joyce "did not write this passion; he lived it".