Exquisite oversized volume of ''Ulysses'' by James Joyce, illustrated and signed by Henri Matisse in a limited edition of 1,500. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1935. One of the most collectible illustrated books of the 20th century, Matisse here provides visual context to Joyce's masterpiece in the form of 26 illustrations, including 6 hand-printed soft-ground etchings and 20 lithographs, all inspired by Homer's ''The Odyssey''. This, incidentally, is the only time Matisse would work with soft-ground etchings. Signed by Matisse in pencil on the limitation page, denoting this copy as number 85 in the limited edition. Bound in publisher's brown cloth boards with gilt pictorial cover. Measures 9.5'' x 12''. Light shelf wear, tape repair to front hinge and rear endpapers replaced. Very good plus condition.