Without Weaver’s support, Ulysses might never have seen the light of day.
Dr Clare Hutton (Loughborough University)
Dr Clare Hutton (Loughborough University) gave a public lecture for the British Library on the 10 March 2022, exploring the relationship between James Joyce and Harriet Shaw Weaver (1876–1961), a noted feminist and littérateur. Independently wealthy, Weaver gave Joyce significant financial support in order to complete Ulysses. She also typed and checked manuscripts, undertook to become his publisher in England, and gave other practical assistance, particularly in respect of his health and the support of his family.
Weaver’s papers are held at the British Library, and are one of the world’s most important Joyce archives. The materials document the emotionally and financially complicated relationship behind Ulysses. Hutton’s talk examined several of the key objects in the archive to shed new light on Weaver and the making of Ulysses.
The lecture complements Hutton’s exhibition at the Harry Ransom Centre, Women and the Making of Ulysses (open now – 17 July 2022).