Joyce/Matisse
James Joyce.
Ulysses. Introduction by Stuart Gilbert and illustrations by Henri Matisse. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1935.
Call Number: (RARE) PR 6019 .O9 U4 1935
Gift of Loryn Romadka, from the collection of Austin F. Lutter.
Special Collections, Golda Meir Library
Limited edition of 1500 copies, signed by the illustrator, and one of 250 signed by the author. Designed by George Macy, this is the twelfth and final title in the sixth series of the Limited Editions Club books. After much prodding, Macy induced Henri Matisse to produce a series of original illustrations for this new edition of Ulysses. The only American publication of Matisse’s illustrations, the work includes six original copperplate etchings and twenty photogravure reproductions of Matisse’s studies for the etchings on colored paper, all subjects from Homer’s Odyssey. Matisse’s etching technique produces an impression that is lithographic in quality. “These plates,” he wrote, “are the product of my mind as I rested it in contemplation of Mr. Joyce’s book.” Matisse stated at the time that the plates were among the best work he had done in the graphic arts.
The text is printed on specially made rag paper from the Worthy Paper Company, and the etchings printed on Cannon Gravure. The volume is bound in brown Bancroft Buckram, and embossed with a Leroy Appleton design in gold bas-relief. The edition includes an explanatory preface by Joyce-endorsed critic Stuart Gilbert. The text is based on the Odyssey Press second impression, and is considered the most accurate printed in the U.S. Incredibly, the edition sold for $10 to club members, $15 for the 250 copies signed by Joyce.
