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4 pp., single folded sheet. With portrait of James Joyce tipped to p.[2], as issued. 22x16.5 cm. (8½x6½").

Rare publisher's announcement - in its earliest variant form - for the first edition of what is considered by many the greatest work of 20th century fiction, "Ulysses by James Joyce will be published in the Autumn of 1921 by 'Shakespeare and Company'- Sylvia Beach - 8, rue Dupuytren, Paris - VIe." At least three variant editions of the prospectus were printed; the first two claim that Ulysses "will be published in the Autumn of 1921" [it was of course published in 1922]. In between printing the forms, Shakespeare and Company moved from 8, rue Dupuytren to its 12, rue de l'Odeon address. This is thus the earlier variant. OCLC/WorldCat lists nine copies of the prospectus, but eight seem to be the later variant, and only one, at University College, Dublin, is specifically the earlier variant. The announcement includes advance press notices, edition size and description of the various editions to be available, and pricing. Order form on p.4 is designed to be detached from prospectus and mailed to publisher.