Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection

The University of Reading is acquiring a major collection of books, documents and artefacts relating to James Joyce, one of the most important and influential literary figures of the 20th century.

Stephen Joyce considered the “strong and important” connection between his grandfather and Samuel Beckett as a factor in considering the University as a suitable recipient, feeling that the co-location of the two collections would “considerably enhance” both.

Among the highlights of the collection are large number of letters to James Joyce, including around a hundred letters from his great supporter Harriet Shaw Weaver, plus correspondence from Paul Leon and writers including H.G. Wells and Beckett. Alongside these are a great number of published editions of works by and about James Joyce from across the world and in many languages. Many of the books will be available to browse in the University’s Special Collections Service. Personal items include a manuscript copy of the poem ‘Ecce Puer’ written in James Joyce’s own hand on the birth of Stephen Joyce, and an undated letter from Joyce expressing his love for Nora and saying how much he misses her.

We are currently gathering together the collection and hope to commence the cataloguing process Spring 2022. We anticipate the collection will be available for consultation within 12-18 months. Updates on progress will be available from via the Special Collections social media and on this website,