The Mime of Mick, Nick and the Maggies. A Fragment from Work in Progress. JOYCE (James).

First edition, UK issue, number 285 of 1,000 ordinary copies on 'Old Antique Dutch' paper, from a total edition of 1,029 copies. Initial letter and tail piece designed by Lucia Joyce, James' daughter. 8vo. Original decorated paper wrappers, also designed by Lucia, with integral turn-in folds, with the original silver card slipcase with silver-on-pink printed label. Housed in a later clamshell box. The Hague, Servire Press for Faber and Faber in London. The first appearance of this important section from Finnegans Wake (1939). Joyce took seventeen years over Finnegans Wake and published several extracts as 'fragments' from a 'Work in Progress', starting with the chapter 'Anna Livia Plurabelle' in 1928. There are a number of different issues of this edition, with the present example being the English issue with the Faber imprint, which apparently comprised 300. A very good copy overall, with some smudges and vague foxed spots to wrapper, spine browned. Slipcase worn. Slocum and Cahoon A43.