James Joyce Reads Selections from Ulysses, Finnegans Wake, with Cyril Cusak Reading Joyce

The only recording ever made of James Joyce himself reading from Ulysses–the classic novel that forever changed the course of 20th-century literature. Also included, Joyce reading from Finnegans Wake and Cyril Cusack reading selections from Joyce’s poetry. Ulysses, passage from the Aeolus episode * Chamber Music, I through XXXVI * Finnegans Wake, Anna Livia Plurabelle * Pomes Penyeach * Ecce Puer On Recording James Joyce:In 1924, I went to the office of His Master’s Voice in Paris to ask them if they would record a reading by James Joyce from Ulysses.  But they would agree only if it were done at my expense.  The record would not have their label on it, nor would it be listed in their catalogue.  I accepted the terms: thirty copies of the recording to be paid for on delivery.Joyce himself was anxious to have this recording made.  He had made up his mind, he told me, that this would be the only reading from Ulysses.  Recording was done in a rather primitive manner in those days.  All the same, I think the Ulysses recording is a wonderful performance.  I never hear it without being deeply moved. -Sylvia Beach