Conrad, Joseph

8vo, second English edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Edmund Gosse ("Edmund Gosse | with great regard | from Joseph Conrad. | June. 1918") on preliminary blank, title-page in orange and black, contemporary red morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, spine gilt in compartments, gilt dentelles, gilt edges, collector's slipcase, bound without publisher's advertisements, repairs to hinges, loss to head of spine and sewn head band

Edmund Gosse, authorial inscription; his sale, Sotheby's, 30 July 1928. lot 22; Pierre S. Dupont III, his sale, Christie's New York, 8 October, 1991, lot 62

Cagle A10c

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."

An important presentation copy. The influential literary historian and author Edmund Gosse (1849--1928) was one of the first readers of Conrad's first book Almayer's Folly in manuscript and played a significant part in the author's career between 1902 and 1905 when, as Librarian of the House of Lords and Secretary of the Royal Literary Fund, he organised subsidies and grants for the needy Conrad (see lot 251). He remained a friend and admirer and was a moving force in securing a Civil List Pension for the writer in 1910.

Writing to Edmund Gosse on 15 June 1918, Conrad explained '...I've had a copy of Nostromo bound and beg you to give it the hospitality of your shelves. I have a great weakness for that work as my biggest creative effort. There are also other grounds for that special affection. This reprint (after 14 years) has got a bit of a preface of the autobiographical kind, on which perhaps you will cast an eye which I know to be friendly now as much as in the early days...' (see CL, VI, p. 233). This is the volume Conrad had bound and presented to Gosse on 15 June 1918.

Contrast this binding with a copy presented to Hilaire Belloc (see previous lot). The morocco label for the spine which reads 'Presentation Copy' has been added at a later date.