Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first American edition, first printing, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Gérard Jean-Aubry ("A Jean Aubry | son ami | Joseph Conrad | 1919") on front free endpaper, original dark blue linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine and upper cover, correction to 'Charactères' on title-page, typed note tipped in on dedication page, some splitting at gutter, binding worn

Gérard Jean-Aubry, authorial presentation

Cagle A38a(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."

Gérard Jean-Aubry (née Jean-Frédéric-Émile Aubry, 1882-1950) was the cultured and always impeccably attired  French man of letters who first met Conrad in 1918, becoming an ardent admirer and regular member of his circle, and frequent visitor to the Conrads' Kent  homes. He accompanied the family part way on their journey through France in 1921, and helped Conrad find a French tutor for his son John in 1923. In return Conrad championed his friend's causes: for instance, he supported him as the translator of the present work, The Arrow of Gold, in preference to the female translator chosen by Gide. The Rover (1923), with its central character Jean Peyrol perhaps named after his friend, is dedicated to Jean-Aubry. Conrad appointed him as his first official biographer, with Jean-Aubry's Joseph Conrad: Life and Letters, appearing three years after the author's death in 1927. Numerous other works on Conrad's life and letters followed in subsequent years, and there is little question, despite some shortcomings, that Jean-Aubry made a profound contribution to Conrad scholarship by "making primary materials available, promoting the author's posthumous reputation, and securing him a wider audience in France" (Knowles and Moore).