Read Complete Works of James Joyce Online
Authors: Unknown
A particular point in the history of the publication of
Ulysses
in the United States seems to me both interesting and noteworthy: it makes explicit one aspect of an author’s right over his work which has not been brought to light until now. The importation of
Ulysses
had been forbidden since 1922, and this ban was not lifted until
Ulysses
over which the author, unable to secure copyright, had no control. An international protest signed by 167 writers was published and legal proceedings were begun. The result of these proceedings was the judgement delivered at a sitting of the Supreme Court of New York on 27 December
Ulysses’
(Joyce against
Two Worlds Monthly
and Samuel Roth, II Dep. Supreme Court New York, 27 December 1928).
It is, I believe, possible to reach a judicial conclusion from this judgement to the effect that, while unprotected by the written law of copyright and even if it is banned, a work belongs to its author by virtue of a natural right and that thus the law can protect an author against the mutilation and the publication of his work just as he is protected against the misuse that can be made of his name.
Joyce’s grave, Fluntern Cemetery - Zurich, Switzerland
The famous writer Ezra Pound visiting Joyce’s grave