Ulysses by James Joyce (Post 1946 Book-of-the-Month Hardcover in Dust Jacket) 

•           Author:                           James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (1882–1941)   

•           Book Design:                 Ernst Reichl

•           Jacket Design:                E. McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954)

•           Publisher:            Random House    New York, NY      U.S.A.       1934                               

Joyce is best known for this novel Ulysses (1922), a landmark work in which the episodes of Homer's Odyssey (occurring in Dublin Ireland) are paralleled in an array of contrasting literary styles, perhaps most prominent among these the stream of consciousness technique he liked to utilize.  

The novel was first partially serialized in magazines between 1918 and 1920, but censors ruled one section published was obscene.  This led to the book being banned until after the 1933 court ruling in the United States sought by the publisher Random House. 

A complete, "unabridged" text, "corrected," and entirely reset edition, with an original letter by the author to the publisher regarding this novel (1932). Includes a copy of the U.S. District Court decision lifting the ban on the novel (1933).  Featuring a forward by Morris L. Ernst (Publisher's Attorney) written within a week of that court's ruling. xviii + 768pp. 

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (1882–1941) was an Irish novelist and poet. His contributions to modernist avant-garde literature are regarded as some of the most influential.  He is now considered among the important authors of the 20th century. 

Jacket design by Edward McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954).  Book Design by Ernst Reichl. 

Hardcover has navy cloth boards, black designs on front & spine with white lettering on spine in a good but torn dust jacket.  Jacket's closed tears stabilized with tape and whole protected within a glassine covering.  Indent in rear cover common to BCE.  Interior is tight, clean, and unmarked.    

• Size:  8vo – over 7¾ - 9¾” tall,       786pp. 
• Condition:  Very Good Hardcover in Standard Dust Jacket  –  Always privately owned.  No ownership markings.  Book Club Edition.   

Copyrights 1946, 1942, 1934, 1918, & 1914.  No edition nor print-run info found, although this copy had to be printed sometime in or after 1946.  Promoted as part of The Modern Library. 

Lack of MSR on DJ and indent in rear cover implies Book Club Edition.  Manufactured in U.S.A.  No ISBN nor LCCN. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.”  Booksellers need similar grading to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.  Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).  Usually requires repair to be usable. 

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

Thanks for looking!