- 30
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- Lord Jim. A Romance. New York: Doubleday & McClure Co., 1900
- paper
8vo, first American edition, second state with cancel title page (with verso reading "Copyright, 1899 and 1900"), presentation copy inscribed by Conrad on front endpaper to his French translator ("A | Henry D. Davray | avec les amitiés | de l'auteur. | Novbre 1900"), rebound in cloth-backed contemporary boards, French library stamps at beginning and end and on some leaves of the text ("Bibliotheque Renand" and "Bibliotheque L'Hirondelle"), underlinings in ink and pencil to numerous passages, probably by Davray, some leaves crudely cut down at outer margin for rebinding (not affecting text), unsightly library stamps, wear and slight staining to library binding
Provenance
Henry D. Davray, presentation inscription from the author
Literature
Cagle A5b(2)
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The first American edition of Lord Jim was published on 31 October, so this inscription by Conrad dates from the following month. Davray (see also lot 52) translated a number of Conrad's early works, including Typhoon, and obviously appears to have considered Lord Jim as well, though this was not carried through. The work remained untranslated into French until 1922. Though not an attractive copy, this is a very interesting one, and a title almost never found inscribed by the author.