Conrad, Joseph

8vo, second English edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Jenny Doris Thorne ("To | Mrs Thorne | in common friendship for the | man of the book, from the | man who wrote the words | in it, blindly - perhaps - but with a great | devotion. | JC. 1919") on front free endpaper and signed at the end of the author's note, title-page in orange and black, 3pp. publisher's advertisements at end, original light olive green vertically ribbed cloth lettered in brown and gilt on spine and in brown on upper cover, some browning, shaken, nick to upper hinge, split at gutter before half-title, binding worn and soiled

Jenny Doris Thorne, authorial inscription

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 unusual presentation inscription, both for its length and its tone.

Conrad wrote to Mrs Thorne on 2 November 1919 stating 'I have signed the preface - since this copy is sent to you for the sake of the preface - or rather Author's Note, as I call it. I've also written a few words on the fly-leaf...' (see CL, 6, pp. 513-14).

The recipient was Jenny Doris or Dora Thorne (née Jones) (1888-1947), the daughter of the playwright Sir Henry Arthur Jones. Her husband was a civil servant and judge and when not accompanying him in Cyprus, Morocco, Egypt or Greece she moved in literary circles. After a divorce in 1923 she contributed pieces to newspapers and periodicals.

In his preface Conrad discusses his sources for Nostromo, and specifically those for the character of Nostromo himself. Thus it would appear, from the inscription ("in common friendship for the man of the book"), and the letter dated 2 November 1919, that Mrs Thorne was also a friend of the original model for the figure of Nostromo.