Storiella as She is Syung

Known for his avant-garde literature and experimental works, Joyce published selections of his Work in Progress over 17 years following the publication of Ulysses, his modernist and controversial novel published in 1922. The unified Work in Progress would be condensed into an experimental novel published in 1939 titled Finnegans Wake. It is written predominantly in idiosyncratic language interpreted by many as representing the experience of dreaming and stream of consciousness.

The Storiella section comes from Part II’s second chapter. This edition includes a decorative capital ‘A’ on the first page which was illuminated by the author’s daughter Lucia Joyce. It is bound in a bright orange vellum and housed in a custom box. The 175 first edition copies were printed on handmade mulberry paper which are scattered with small spots of oxidation throughout.

Born February 2, 1882 – 2022 marks Joyce’s 140th birthday. He died in 1941 and Finnegans Wake was his last major work. The Weeks family library includes over 20 Joyce titles and letters, among them original printers proofs, first editions, and copies inscribed in Joyce’s hand.