Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author for Hugh Walpole ("This book represents | 19 months of actual work | on the text. Great success | in Russian translation | Joseph Conrad | June. 1922."), ownership inscription in Walpole's hand ("Hugh Walpole | London | 1911") on preliminary blank, title-page stamped with "PRESENTATION COPY", 32pp. publisher's catalogue dated September 1911 at end, original red linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine, some browning and spotting, minute holes to upper joint, foot of spine frayed and torn

Hugh Walpole, bookplates and ownership inscription; Sotheby's (Hodgson's Rooms), 14 December 1978, lot 581; Roger Rechler, his sale, Christie's New York, 11 October 2002, lot 52

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."

For Hugh Walpole, see lot 27.

At the end of May and beginning of June 1922 Conrad was complaining about a wrist injury. He explained to G. Jean-Aubry on 27 May that "I've been unable to hold a pen" (see Collected Letters, VII, p.473) and on 2 June 1922 he wrote to Warrington Dawson "I dictate this letter because I really don't know when I will be able to write in pen and ink, my right wrist having been bad for a long time now and showing no signs of serious improvement" (Collected Letters, VII, p.476). At the end of the month he was still making excuses due to "the beastly swollen wrist which prevented me holding the pen" (letter to R.B. Cunninghame Graham, dated 28 June 1922, Collected Letters, VII, p.483). Nevertheless, swollen wrist or not, the author inscribed this copy during June 1922 (and the condition may have resulted in the awkward writing of the word "book").