Prospectus of first edition of Ulysses, Shakespeare & Company 1921

This original prospectus for Ulysses was gifted to the museum by Sylvia Beach in 1962 from her own collection.

In order to finance the first edition of Ulysses, Sylvia Beach advertised for subscriptions. This approach ensured that the book was considered a private edition which diminished the legal risks. Customers could order one of three versions, priced according to the fineness of their paper, the most expensive version was signed by Joyce. Beach printed hundreds of these circulars and mailed them to individuals and bookshops around the world.