- 44
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- The Nigger of the "Narcissus". A Tale of the Sea. London: William Heinemann, 1898
- ink on paper
8vo, first English edition, first state, 4pp. of advertisements at the end (leaves S1, S2), 16-page catalogue of publisher's "...Autumn Announcements" bound in after this, original slate grey smooth cloth, upper cover stamp in gold with title within life ring device, preserved in a half morocco green slip case, recased, some wear at joints, corners bumped, spine of case sunned
[with, inserted on front free endpaper:] Autograph letter signed, to Elsie Hueffer ("Dear Auntie Elsie"), writing with thanks on behalf of Elsie following a visit to the Hueffers in Winchelsea ("...I am quite unable to say anything really pretty in the way of thanks and have mislaid my polite letter-writer which expresses itself with great force and elegance; but pray believe in our gratitude..."), asking her to tell the "domestic despot" that he has written "a good many pages on Saturday, none today, and contemplate a field day for to-morrow", and saying that "Jack [Galsworthy?] ... contemplates a visit to you", 1 page, oblong 4to, on lined paper, Sunday evening [?1902], split at fold with fold tears, some repairs, browning
[with, inserted on front free endpaper:] Autograph letter signed, to Elsie Hueffer ("Dear Auntie Elsie"), writing with thanks on behalf of Elsie following a visit to the Hueffers in Winchelsea ("...I am quite unable to say anything really pretty in the way of thanks and have mislaid my polite letter-writer which expresses itself with great force and elegance; but pray believe in our gratitude..."), asking her to tell the "domestic despot" that he has written "a good many pages on Saturday, none today, and contemplate a field day for to-morrow", and saying that "Jack [Galsworthy?] ... contemplates a visit to you", 1 page, oblong 4to, on lined paper, Sunday evening [?1902], split at fold with fold tears, some repairs, browning
Provenance
Pierre S. Dupont III; his sale at Christie's New York, 8 October 1991, lot 46
Literature
Cagle A3c(1)a; Collected Letters, III, pp.505-6
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."
"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 dating of this letter is uncertain. It has the date "March 17 1902" in pencil, but this date was a Saturday and there is another surviving letter to Elsie Hueffer written on that date. Karl and Davies date the letter to 1907 in the Collected Letters, although they comment that "the tone and contents of this text would point to 1901 or 2 rather than 1907". However, the editors relied on a transcription of the letter by Elsie Hueffer's daughter that had the address of the Someries, Luton (where the Conrads were in 1907), but that address is not found on the original letter.