Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first American edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Dora Ingram ("Signed for Dora Ingram with compliments and regard by Joseph Conrad") on the front free endpaper, blind stamps of Dora Ingram to front free endpaper, original dark blue linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine and upper cover, dust-jacket, designated "second printing" on the spine, blue cloth chemise and morocco slipcase, browning to front free endpaper, some discolouration to spine of dust-jacket, repairs to dust-jacket with translucent adhesive tape; together with a 4-page autograph letter by Jessie Conrad to Dora Ingram, dated 5 October 1924, referring to this signed copy, describing Conrad's final illness and death, his legacy and plans for the upkeep of his grave, and enclosing an original photograph of Conrad [included here], showing the author smoking and sitting in a deck chair, the famous "last little snapshot", inscribed on the reverse by Jessie Conrad ("Joseph Teodor Conrad Korzeniowski 1924"), with accompanying black-edged envelope addressed by Jessie Conrad, photograph 10.7 x 8.2cm

Cagle A18b(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."

Cagle notes that the priority of the 'Deep Sea' and cloth-bound copies of the first American edition is unresolved. Furthermore, although the copy corresponds to Cagle's presumed first printing of the American edition, the dust-jacket is designated "second printing" on the spine, which points either to a later dust-jacket, or to a second unrecorded printing. 

Dora Ingram was the wife of Albert Arnold Gillespie (1899-1978), who created the special effects in the 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz.