PBA Galleries

31, [5] pp. Printed on Japon nacre paper. Text in facsimile of Joyce's manuscript. Tissue guards printed in green laid in for each of the poems. With 14 ornaments designed and illuminated by Lucia Joyce. (4to) 25.5x33 cm (10x13") unbound sheets, as issued, in original apple-green silk portfolio lettered in gilt, ribbon ties. Custom quarter morocco slipcase. Copy No. 3 from a deluxe edition of 26 plus six copies hors-commerce.

The special Obelisk Press/ Desmond Harmsworth edition of Pomes Penyeach, is one of only a very small number of the deluxe signed issue remaining in private hands. ​The plan for an illuminated edition was initially suggested to Joyce by Caresse Crosby of the Black Sun Press, who was familiar with Lucia Joyce's designs for a musical setting of Joyce's poems. Hopeful that it would improve her deteriorating mental condition, Joyce was anxious to find some productive task for his daughter and approached Jack Kahane, who had previously produced a limited edition of Haveth Childers Everywhere. The result was the present masterpiece, limited to only 25 copies. Signed by Joyce at the limitation, as issued. Slocum &Cahoon A27; Pearson A-17. The Bradley Martin copy, with his bookplate inside folding case, sold at Sotheby's, 1990.