Conrad, Joseph

8vo, corrected page proofs of the first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to his literary agent and close friend ("To J.B. Pinker | affectionately | from J Conrad") on front free endpaper, gatherings mostly stamped by the printers ("W. Clowes & Sons, Limited | Stamford St. S.E.") with dates between 4 August and 24 September 1904, original blue smooth cloth lettered in gilt on spine and in light blue on upper cover, collector's chemise and brown morocco-backed slipcase, some minor spotting, occasional soiling, minor loss to B1, lower hinge split

J.B. Pinker, authorial inscription, his sale, Sotheby's 17 December 1924, lot 637; Sotheby's New York, 15 June 1990, lot 34

Cagle p. 103; Moore 155

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."

Assumed to be the only surviving set of page-proofs for the first setting of the text of one of the great novels of the twentieth century and one of the greatest historical novels of all time. Using highly innovative narrative techniques of flashback and anachrony Conrad condenses centuries of the history of the silver mine in the Occidental Province of the imaginary Latin American country of Costaguana into a few weeks of taut and exciting action. This set of proofs presents the earlier version of the ending ("...the invincible genius of the magnificent Capataz de Cargadores denominated [sic] the gulf.")

There are autograph emendations on the title-page (including the addition of the motto), the dedication page is present in manuscript and the page stating "Works by the Same Author" is also in manuscript. There are small autograph corrections, emendations or identification of proof state on pp. 73, 255, 257, 259, 260, 269, 273, 284, 289, 290, 305, 318, 353, 358, 385, 395, 420, 421, 435, 436, 445, 446 and 447. Gathering 2B (pp.269-384) is supplied from the first printed edition.

Keating, in A Conrad Memorial Library (New York, 1929), describes this copy in some detail on page 143 of his work. See also Cagle p.103. For J.B. Pinker's central importance in the development of Conrad's literary career, see lot 24.

"...one of the few mastering visions of our historical moment and our human lot..." (Robert Penn Warren, introduction to the 1951 Random House edition)