- 267
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- Under Western Eyes. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1911
- paper and ink
8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author for Sidney Colvin on the free front endpaper ("To Sidney Colvin With the greatest regard from J.C. 1911."), 32pp. publisher's catalogue dated September 1911 at end, original red linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine, collector's red morocco-backed folding case, later annotation to front free endpaper erased, a few corners creased, light dust-staining to edges
A fine presentation copy to Conrad's loyal friend and admirer.
The cultured critic of the fine arts and literature Sir Sidney Colvin (1845-1927) had been Slade Professor of Fine Arts at Cambridge and Keeper in the Department of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum between 1884 and 1912. He was a close and loyal friend of both Conrad and Robert Louis Stevenson, whose letters he edited. Introduced to the writer in 1904 by H.G. Wells he immediately encouraged Conrad to adapt his short story “To-morrow” for the stage and assisted in producing the resulting drama, One Day More, for its performance by the Stage Society in June 1905. Conrad and Colvin were closest from 1913 onwards, with regular correspondence and meetings, often discussing Colvin's reviews of the novelist's fiction. E.V. Lucas described Colvin as a man of patricianly instincts who was “all for the traditions, perfect courtesy, an unflinching code of honour, decent manners and a certain avoidance of the crudities of modern life” (The Colvins and their Friends, pp.350-1).
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.
A fine presentation copy to Conrad's loyal friend and admirer.
The cultured critic of the fine arts and literature Sir Sidney Colvin (1845-1927) had been Slade Professor of Fine Arts at Cambridge and Keeper in the Department of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum between 1884 and 1912. He was a close and loyal friend of both Conrad and Robert Louis Stevenson, whose letters he edited. Introduced to the writer in 1904 by H.G. Wells he immediately encouraged Conrad to adapt his short story “To-morrow” for the stage and assisted in producing the resulting drama, One Day More, for its performance by the Stage Society in June 1905. Conrad and Colvin were closest from 1913 onwards, with regular correspondence and meetings, often discussing Colvin's reviews of the novelist's fiction. E.V. Lucas described Colvin as a man of patricianly instincts who was “all for the traditions, perfect courtesy, an unflinching code of honour, decent manners and a certain avoidance of the crudities of modern life” (The Colvins and their Friends, pp.350-1).
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.
Provenance
Sidney Colvin (authorial inscription); Pierre S. DuPont III; Christie's New York, 8 October 1991, lot 55
Literature
Cagle A14a(1)
Condition
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."
"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."