Conrad, Joseph

8vo, reprint, title in red and black, dedication copy inscribed by the author to his son Borys ("To my dearest Boy | to replace his own | 1st edition copy lost in | March 1918 on the Somme | front notwithstanding his | efforts to save it from the fire. | JC."), original grey-green vertically ribbed cloth, upper cover and spine stamped in brown and gold, preserved in green cloth case and slipcase, text slightly browned, offsetting to endpapers, hinges starting, spine slightly sunned, minor wear to edges of cloth

The author's son Borys, presentation inscription; John A. Spoor, bookplate, Jonathan Goodwin, the sale of his library, Part I, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 29 March 1977, lot 34

Cagle A21a(1), third reprint

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."

The replacement dedication copy for that lost by the author's son on the Somme. Conrad's depth of feeling is evident from the printed dedication: "To Borys and all others who like himself have crossed in early youth the Shadow-Line of their generation. With love". Borys Conrad was gassed and severely shell-shocked during the Second Army's advance into Flanders in mid-October 1918, and was in hospital in Le Havre at the close of the war.

Writing to S.C. Cockerell on 14 October 1921 Conrad stated "The truth of the matter is that Borys to whom I hinted that I could get a 1st Edition had absolutely no feeling about it. An edition means absolutely nothing to him - as long as he has some copy. The actual volume I sent him was the one he cared for. That being gone to appreciates the second copy I gave him with the inscription reminding him of the other he had lost. He has no 1st edition of any other of my books so that no set is spoiled by his loss" (see Collected Letters, VII, p. 353).