Shining a light on ‘underground’ book
Library friends group presents story of publication adventures
Ahundred years ago a book that was banned in its country of origin, Ireland, found a publisher in Paris — Sylvia Beach, the famous bookseller of Shakespeare & Co.
For decades it circulated underground, although its contents today would be regarded as tame. It acquired almost mythic status before it was released in the US and Britain.
The book was Ulysses by James Joyce.
Friends of Kāpiti District Libraries is presenting a story of its publication adventures at its meeting on Sunday, October 9, at 2pm in the Ocean Rd Community Centre, Paraparaumu Beach. The title is Of Nuns, Priests and Books: Antipodean Adventures with James Joyce, with Drs Sydney Shep and Marco Sonzogni, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
“Ulysses is probably one of the most popular unread novels of all time,” talk organiser Anthony Dreaver said.
“After 100 years, however, it is still offering up fascinating secrets.
“What is the relationship between the Anglo expat gay community in Paris and Naples and a radical priest whose library is now housed in The Vatican?
“Why were World War I veterans and shadowy intelligence officers amongst the largest group of purchasers of the novel?
“And closer to home, what did Joyce’s sibling Poppie aka Sister Gertrude, a Sister of Mercy in Canterbury, really think about her brother’s controversial literary efforts?
“On the centenary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses, two scholars share surprising new stories about the book, its owners, and its readers.
“Join us on a quest to uncover some of these more unusual and surprising stories of owners, collectors and readers.”
Dr Shep is reader in book history and the printer at Waite-ata Press, while Dr Sonzogni is reader in literary translation.
Their work was assisted by John Seton who is majoring in law and classics and is now in Berlin via Dublin completing his degree.