A Request from Mr. Joyce Joyce (James) Autograph Letter Sig...

Hammer

€16,000

A Request from Mr. Joyce

Joyce (James) Autograph Letter Signed to 'Dear Mr [Thomas] Pugh,' 3 pp (folded sheet), on paper of Grand Hotel Britannique, Spa, Belgique [where Joyce is on holiday], dated 6.8.1934, asking Pugh to visit him when next in Paris, and making several requests. 'My American publisher would like to have for a circular he publishes some photographs of scenes mentioned in Ulysses so I wondered if you would consent to have some of yours reproduced... the Martello Tower (Sandycove), Holles Street Hospital and the view on the strand at Sandymount.. Of course he would use your name and I take it these things are paid for.'
He also asks if Pugh knows of any illustrated weekly published in Dublin around 1904, for the use of the French painter Henri Matisse, who is working on designs for a new edition-de-luxe of Ulysses. 'He knows the French translation very well, but has never been in Ireland. I suppose he will do only the human figures but even for that he would perhaps need some guidance.'
'With many thanks in advance / Sincerely yours / James Joyce.'
It seems Matisse never looked at the Dublin illustrations, which Pugh duly supplied; his illustrations are drawn entirely from Greek myth.
Fold marks, one beginning to tear, a few minor marks, no loss. With the associated envelope-front, postmarked (stamp removed), showing it went to several addresses before reaching Pugh.
Original letters of substance from Joyce are now of the greatest rarity. As a m/ss., w.a.f. (1)

Provenance: From the Collection of Joyce's friend - Thomas Pugh.