- 307
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- The Shadow-Line. A Confession. London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd., 1917
- paper
8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author in year of publication on front endpaper to his 'oldest English friends' ("To | Mr and Mrs G.F.W. Hope | with great affection | from J. Conrad. | 1917"), title in red and black, 18pp. of publisher's advertisements at the end, original grey-green vertically-ribbed cloth, upper cover and spine stamped in brown and gilt, preserved in quarter green morocco folding box, hinges starting, slight offsetting to endpapers
Provenance
Mr and Mrs G.F.W. Hope (authorial inscription); Pierre S. Dupont III, his sale at Christie's New York, 8 October 1991, lot 61
Literature
Cagle A21a(1)
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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
A fine presentation copy of Conrad's most substantial piece of writing during the First World War. For Mr and Mrs George Fountaine Weare Hope note alongside lot 205.
The Shadow-Line is often seen as a metaphor of the war itself, and was definitely inspired by the great mood of apprehension felt by Conrad and others at this time, as they saw their sons enlist and go off to fight. This included the author's own son Borys, who was commissioned in the Army Service Corp in September 1915. "My boy's turn will be coming presently to start off. The shadow lies over this land. This is a time of great awe and searching of hearts and of resolute girding of loins" (CL, v 500).
"One goes on. And the time, too, goes on--till one perceives ahead a shadow-line warning one that the region of early youth, too, must be left behind..."