Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition in German, translated by Ernst Wolfgang Gunter, presentation copy inscribed on the half-title by the author to his son Borys ("To my dear son Borys | J. Conrad | 1914"), original light brown pictorial cloth lettered and blocked in black and gilt, decorated endpapers, front endpaper torn and detached, minor fading to cloth

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."

A fine presentation and family association copy.

At the time of this inscription Borys was 16 years of age. A year later he enlisted in the British Army and was gazetted as a second lieutenant. In 1917 Conrad dedicated The Shadow Line to him (see lot 102; and also lots 104 and 166).    

A number of recent critical works have re-investigated Conrad's reception in Germany, with some demonstrating that his works were used by German readers as an alternative literary and moral voice against the prevailing nationalism and ideology of the 1930s and 1940s. After the translation of his complete fiction in the 1920s Conrad achieved near cult status in Germany.