Copy No. 1

This is ‘Copy No. 1’ of the first edition of Joyce’s Ulysses.

It contains an inscription from Joyce to his patron Harriet Shaw Weaver, dated 2 February 1922, the day of publication (and Joyce’s birthday). Weaver donated it to the National Library of Ireland 30 years later.

Ulysses is considered to be one of the most important novels ever written and a significant literary landmark – but why? Looking at this iconic object, you might wonder what is it about this book that makes it so special. There’s only one way to find out – by reading Ulysses yourself! So why don’t you?