IV.A.4: Pomes Penyeach
Typescript of “A Prayer” (1924)
Material Description and Collation
The manuscript is a loose sheet of unruled paper, which is a double-spaced, purple ribbon top (original) copy; the verso is blank. The typescript was prepared by Lily Borach (see LIII 94).
Title
The typist headed the poem “A Prayer”.
Measurements
The sheet measures 27.1 x 21.1 cm.
Contents
The manuscript is a typescript of the poem “A Prayer,” which Joyce first published in Pomes Penyeach (Paris: Shakespeare and Company, 1927; see Slocum and Cahoon A24), pp. [20]–[21]. It is the last poem Joyce wrote for the collection but the text here differs from the published version.
Dating
The typist dated the sheet: “18 May 1924”, which is most likely the date Joyce wrote the poem in MS VI.B.5, rather than when the typescript was made.
Other Markings
Sylvia Beach wrote “typescript of A Prayer | given to SB by JJ”.
Publication
This manuscript has been reproduced in black and white photo-facsimile on JJA 1.201 and “A Prayer” was subsequently published in PSW, p. 63.
Notes
The page has been folded in once vertically and twice horizontally.
- La Hune, item 157; Slocum and Cahoon, item E.7.b.