- 272
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- Autograph letter signed, to Sir Sidney Colvin
- ink on paper
writing with "Infinite thanks, for the matter and the manner for the honour of being placed, in such generous spirit, near Stevenson" in a recent lecture by Colvin, describing his difficulty in finishing Chance ("...The end of the novel is not yet. It keeps on running away; but its only now a matter of a few pages, really ... This scribbling is an impossible existence. This isn't a grumble. It is a 'cri de coeur'..."), and discussing their mutual friend Perceval Gibbon, 2 pages, 8vo, [Capel House, Orlestone, Kent], Friday [?22 March 1912], lacking integral blank, slight smudging
Provenance
Sotheby's, 17 July 1997, lot 209
Literature
Collected Letters, V, pp.35-36
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
For Sidney Colvin see note alongside lot 267. Colvin had been among Robert Louis Stevenson's closest friends, had played a crucial role in launching Stevenson's literary career, and remained committed to his friend's memory, for example editing the posthumous Edinburgh edition of Stevenson's works in the 1890s. Colvin had compared Stevenson and Conrad during his lecture series on Stevenson at Kent House, Knightsbridge, in March 1912.