Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Elsie Hueffer ("To | Elsie Hueffer | affectionately | from J.C. | 1911.") on front free endpaper, 32pp. publisher's catalogue dated September 1911 at end, original red linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine, collector's chemise and blue morocco-backed slipcase, minor browning, spine slightly faded, minor spotting to edges

Elsie Hueffer, authorial inscription; Albert Henry Wiggin, bookplate; Marjorie Wiggin Prescott, her sale, Christie's New York, 6 February 1981, lot 68; Christie's New York, 7 December 1990, lot 78

Cagle A14a(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."

Described by Conrad as "without doubt... the most deeply meditated novel that came from under my pen" (Collected Letters, V, p.695), this political novel was written over a two year period between the end of 1907 and the beginning of 1910.

By the time of publication, Ford Madox Ford had begun his affair with the novelist Violet Hunt. The couple were living in Germany trying to pass as a married couple (see longer note, lot 35)