Joseph Conrad (British Library Writers' Lives Series) - Hardcover

Fletcher, Chris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195214412 ISBN 13: 9780195214413

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Polish-born Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) is widely considered to be one of the finest masters of the English language. His life at sea and in foreign ports around the world furnished most of the material for his books, which include Lord Jim, The Secret Agent, and perhaps his best-known story, "The Heart of Darkness." This beautifully illustrated volume, written by author Chris Fletcher, provides a thorough look at this complex author.

About the series:
The British Library is in a unique position when it comes to biographical research, especially concerning British authors. This revered institution boasts the world's largest collection of original manuscripts, as well as an outstanding collection of letters, personal diaries, first editions, and other literary treasures. The titles in this series take full advantage of this vast source of documentary evidence by illustrating each of these lively writers' biographies with state-of-the-art facsimiles of pertinent documents and reproductions of art from the period. Penned by expert biographers, each of these books also contains an index, further reading list, and a chronology of the writer's life.

About this title

About the Author

Chris Fletcher is Curator, British Library.

From Booklist

For Joseph Conrad, neither fame nor fortune came easily. Born in 1857 of aristocratic parents in Poland, Conrad was orphaned young and became financially and emotionally dependent on his uncle and friends. Later, he pursued an adventurous nautical career and his experiences inspired his most well-known works. This chronological account of Conrad's life, times, and influences is detailed and thorough, from his chronic struggles with depression and physical ailments to his extensive travels and attempts to achieve literary and financial success. Fletcher's text is somewhat dense and formal in tone, but the many quotes and passages from Conrad's letters and works provide unique insight into the man, and a fine introduction to Conrad's vivid, powerful prose. The book is notable for excellent, illuminating visuals: sepia-toned and full-color photos, sketches, manuscript reproductions, and classic paintings of the sea. Quoted material is not directly attributed, although sources, published and unpublished, are listed at book's end; chronology appended. Shelle Rosenfeld

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0195214412
• ISBN 13: 9780195214413
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128