Conrad, Joseph

writing with compassion and encouragement during Symons's slow recovery from a mental breakdown ("...Yet, as has been said, life is a dream, or, as I should say, a succession of songes doux ou terribles. Well and if it is so then even in terror we may find inspiration once we regain courage enough to turn our eyes away from it. Don't look back for indeed the only way to overcome injustice whether of men or fate is to disregard it..."), encouraging him in his writing and responding with gratitude to Symons's comments on his own books ("...The letter you wrote me about the novel [presumably Under Western Eyes] is the only real satisfaction I got from my work..."), 10 pages, chiefly 8vo, most on headed stationery of Capel House, Orlestone, near Ashford, Kent, 7 February to 11 December 1911, with two autograph envelopes, two letters weak at folds

Kenneth Lohf, collector and librarian (1925-2002)

Collected Letters, IV, pp.411-12, 415, 435, 485, 522

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

A poignant series of letters to a friend and fellow writer struggling with mental illness, written at a time when Conrad himself was recovering from his nervous collapse of early 1910. Symons had suffered an acute crisis in late September 1908 and spent much of the following two years in mental institutions. These sympathetic letters were written as Symons was beginning to resume writing, and when the two men saw each other frequently and were living only a few miles apart in Kent. 

For Arthur Symons see note alongside 262.