Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first American edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to Charles Stiles ("Charles E [?] Stiles from Joseph Conrad 16 Ap. 1916") on the front free endpaper, original dark blue linen finish cloth lettered in gilt on spine, some very light spotting, damp-staining to spine, dust-staining to edges, tiny tear to lower cover, corners bumped

Charles Stiles (authorial inscription); Christie's South Kensington, 13 November 2008, lot 164

Cagle A18b(1)

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 a letter to Iris Wedgwood, dated 28 January 1915, Conrad described Within the Tides - which contains four stories from the period 1910-1914 - as " a deliberate attempt on four different methods of telling a story - an essay in craftsmanship..." (this letter is lot 298 in the current sale).

Within the Tides was first published in Britain by Dent on 24 February 1915 and in America on 15 January 1916. The question as to whether the cloth-bound copies of the first American printing were printed before those in the 'Deep Sea' format, or vice versa, is left unresolved by Cagle.