Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, first state of the author's first book, presentation copy inscribed by the author to his last Captain ("To Capt. and Mrs | W.H. Cope | with the Author's compliments.") on the half-title, title-page in red and black, original dark green vertically ribbed cloth lettered in gilt on spine, some light spotting and browning, later ownership inscription on front fixed endpaper, cloth slightly cockled, spine faded, extremities slightly bumped

Wise 1; Cagle A1a(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."

A magnificent association copy.

Captain W.H. Cope was the "whiskered, stout old captain" of the Torrens, the ship on which Conrad executed his last duties as a sailor (as chief officer) in 1891-92, and on board which he worked on this, "my first attempt at writing". The friendships Conrad developed on the ship, and between the two voyages, were vital in confirming Conrad in his new vocation. On board he met Edward Sanderson and John Galsworthy.

"On October 25th the Torrens, with Conrad as mate, again left London, and reached Adelaide, ninety-seven days later, on January 30, 1893. It was during this voyage that Conrad first communicated to anyone his literary projects. He had carried around with him the unfinished manuscript of Almayer's Folly, but he had allowed no one to read it. There was a young Cambridge man called W.H. Jacques on board the Torrens, who was taking the voyage for his health. Conrad, being a great reader, had many talks with this youth fresh from the university, and they lent each other books. One evening, while they were talking in the mate's cabin, Conrad obeyed a sudden impulse, pulled out a drawer, and gave him the first nine chapters of Almayer's Folly." (Jean Aubry, Joseph Conrad Life and Letters).

Conrad continues the story in A Personal Record: "'Would it bore you very much reading a MS. in a handwriting like mine?' I asked him [Jacques] one evening on a sudden impulse. 'Not at all', he answered with his courteous intonation and a faint smile. As I pulled a drawer open his suddenly aroused curiosity gave him a watchful expression. I wonder what he expected to see. In his reserved manner he asked: 'What is this?' - 'It's a sort of tale', I answered with an effort. 'It is not even finished yet. Nevertheless, I would like to know what you think of it'. 'I will read it tomorrow', he remarked and then, watching the roll of the ship for a propitious moment, he opened the door and was gone. In the moment of his exit I heard the sustained booming of the wind, the swish of the water on the decks of the Torrens, and the subdued, as if distant, roar of the rising sea.  I noted the growing disquiet in the great restlessness of the ocean... Next day, Jacques entered my cabin. 'Well, what do you say', I asked at last. 'Is it worth finishing?' This question expressed exactly the whole of my thoughts. 'Distinctly', he answered in his sedate, veiled voice... 'Were you interested?' I inquired further, almost in a whisper. 'Very much!'... 'Now let me ask you one more thing: Is the story quite clear to you as it stands?' He raised his dark, gentle eyes to my face and seemed surprised. 'Yes! Perfectly'. This was all I was to hear from his lips concerning the merits of Almayer's Folly. We never spoke together of the book again".

Conrad's acquaintance with the Torrens ceased in the middle of October 1893, as he recalls in Last Essays: "I ceased to belong to her on the 15th of October 1893, when, in London Dock, I took a long look from the quay at that last of ships I ever had under my care, and, stepping round the corner of a tall warehouse, parted from her for ever and at the same time stepped (in merciful ignorance) out of my sea life altogether".