Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, first state of the author's first book, signed by the author with a note about the work's conception ("my very first attempt at | writing, as related in | A Persona[l] Record. | J.C.") on front free endpaper, "With the Publisher's Compliments" stamp on title-page, title-page in red and black, original dark green vertically ribbed cloth lettered in gilt on spine, collector's chemise and green morocco-backed slipcase, top edge gilt, crease to front free endpaper, minor abrasion to front fixed endpaper, extremities very slightly bumped

Wise 1; Cagle A1a(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."

"Books may be written in all sorts of places... I indulge in the pleasant fancy that the shade of old Flaubert... might have hovered with amused interest over the decks of a 2,000-ton steamer called the Adowa, on board of which, gripped by the inclement winter alongside a quay in Rouen, the tenth chapter of Almayer's Folly was begun..." (A Personal Record, 1919, p.23)

Conrad's first book and first novel, set in the Borneo jungle, about the Dutch trader Kaspar Almayer and Nina, his half-caste daughter. Conrad noted, in 1895, a first printing of 1100 copies. Later estimates include 1000 copies (suggested by the publisher) and 2000 copies (suggested by Wise).

This copy has the first state of page 110 in which type is missing in the last two lines.