Title:
Ulysses
Genre:
Literature
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Binding:
Hardcover
Edition:
1st
Narrative:
Third Person
Type of Book:
Fiction
Number of Pages:
768
Number of Chapters:
11
Date Added:
2018-06-26 18:01:54
Synopsis:
Based on the images provided, here is an overview of the book:
Book Overview
* Title: Ulysses
* Author: James Joyce
* Publisher: Random House, New York
* Publication Date: 1934
* Edition: First American Edition
Historical Importance
Ulysses is widely regarded as one of the most important works of 20th-century literature. It is a landmark of the Modernist movement, known for its complex structure, ”stream of consciousness” narrative technique, and allusions to Homer’s Odyssey.
The specific edition you have, the first American edition published in 1934, is historically significant for another reason: it was the first time Ulysses was legally published and distributed in the United States. For over a decade before its publication, the novel was banned in the U.S. due to its perceived obscenity. The Random House edition was the direct result of a landmark court case, United States v. One Book Called Ulysses, which lifted the ban in 1933. This decision is considered a major victory for freedom of expression and a crucial moment in literary history. The 1934 edition includes the text of the court decision and a foreword discussing the legal battle, which adds to its historical value.
Edition and Signatures
* Is it a first edition? Yes, this is a First American Edition. The title page clearly states ”FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, PUBLISHED BY RANDOM HOUSE, NEW YORK, 1934.” It is important to note that the very first book-form edition of Ulysses was published by Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 1922, which is an even more valuable and sought-after collectible. However, the 1934 Random House edition is the first authorized American version.
* Are any of the signatures significant? The signature appears to be ”Roy N Hooper Jr.” dated ”August 4, 1989”. While it is a personal inscription, there is no public record of a prominent ”Roy N Hooper” associated with James Joyce or the publishing of Ulysses. The signature is a personal inscription from a previous owner, not a signature from the author or a notable figure. Therefore, it does not add significant monetary value to the book and may even decrease its value to a collector looking for an ”unblemished” copy.
Value
The value of a First American Edition of Ulysses can vary significantly based on its condition and whether it includes the original dust jacket.
* Condition: Your book shows signs of age, including staining and foxing on the cover and interior pages. This will impact its value compared to a copy in ”very good” or ”fine” condition.
* Dust Jacket: The original 1934 dust jacket is a key element for collectors. A copy with the first-issue dust jacket in good condition can be worth thousands of dollars. Your images do not show a dust jacket, which is a major factor in determining value.
Based on recent sales and listings for similar copies, a 1934 First American Edition of Ulysses in this condition (without a dust jacket and with a previous owner’s inscription) is typically valued in the range of $300 to $800. Copies in better condition or with the original dust jacket can sell for much more, sometimes exceeding $1,000 to $2,000 or even higher depending on condition.
Book Overview
* Title: Ulysses
* Author: James Joyce
* Publisher: Random House, New York
* Publication Date: 1934
* Edition: First American Edition
Historical Importance
Ulysses is widely regarded as one of the most important works of 20th-century literature. It is a landmark of the Modernist movement, known for its complex structure, ”stream of consciousness” narrative technique, and allusions to Homer’s Odyssey.
The specific edition you have, the first American edition published in 1934, is historically significant for another reason: it was the first time Ulysses was legally published and distributed in the United States. For over a decade before its publication, the novel was banned in the U.S. due to its perceived obscenity. The Random House edition was the direct result of a landmark court case, United States v. One Book Called Ulysses, which lifted the ban in 1933. This decision is considered a major victory for freedom of expression and a crucial moment in literary history. The 1934 edition includes the text of the court decision and a foreword discussing the legal battle, which adds to its historical value.
Edition and Signatures
* Is it a first edition? Yes, this is a First American Edition. The title page clearly states ”FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, PUBLISHED BY RANDOM HOUSE, NEW YORK, 1934.” It is important to note that the very first book-form edition of Ulysses was published by Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 1922, which is an even more valuable and sought-after collectible. However, the 1934 Random House edition is the first authorized American version.
* Are any of the signatures significant? The signature appears to be ”Roy N Hooper Jr.” dated ”August 4, 1989”. While it is a personal inscription, there is no public record of a prominent ”Roy N Hooper” associated with James Joyce or the publishing of Ulysses. The signature is a personal inscription from a previous owner, not a signature from the author or a notable figure. Therefore, it does not add significant monetary value to the book and may even decrease its value to a collector looking for an ”unblemished” copy.
Value
The value of a First American Edition of Ulysses can vary significantly based on its condition and whether it includes the original dust jacket.
* Condition: Your book shows signs of age, including staining and foxing on the cover and interior pages. This will impact its value compared to a copy in ”very good” or ”fine” condition.
* Dust Jacket: The original 1934 dust jacket is a key element for collectors. A copy with the first-issue dust jacket in good condition can be worth thousands of dollars. Your images do not show a dust jacket, which is a major factor in determining value.
Based on recent sales and listings for similar copies, a 1934 First American Edition of Ulysses in this condition (without a dust jacket and with a previous owner’s inscription) is typically valued in the range of $300 to $800. Copies in better condition or with the original dust jacket can sell for much more, sometimes exceeding $1,000 to $2,000 or even higher depending on condition.
Author:
James Joyce
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Publisher:
Random House
Place of Printing:
H. Wolff, New York
Publication Date:
1934-02-01
Number of Copies:
1
Publisher Location:
New York 1934
Special Edition:
Yes
Automatic Estimated Value:
~$27.10
Automatic Estimated Date:
2025-08-22
Date Added:
2018-06-26 18:01:54
