Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to his closest friend John Galsworthy a few days after publication ("John Galsworthy | from Joseph Conrad. | 16th Oct 1900.") on front free endpaper, original light green smooth cloth lettered in gilt on spine and in black on upper cover, some browning and occasional staining, staining to upper cover and spine, binding worn at extremities

John Galsworthy, authorial inscription; Sotheby's (Hodgson's Rooms), 26 April 1979, lot 104

Cagle A5a(1)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Conrad had written to Galsworthy on 20 July 1900 describing his completion of the novel:

"Dearest Jack... The end of L.J. has been pulled off with a steady drag of 21 hours. I sent wife and child out of the house and sat down at 9am with a desperate resolve to be done with it. Ten-minute meals. A great hush. Cigarette ends growing into a mound similar to a cairn over a dead hero. Moon rose over the barn, looked in at the window and climbed out of sight. Dawn broke, brightened. I put the lamp out and went on, with the morning breeze blowing the sheets of Mss. all over the room. Sun rose, I wrote the last word..." (see  Gérard Jean-Aubry, Joseph Conrad: Life and Letters, volume 1, p. 295)

For a note on Galsworthy, see lot 9.