L14415

/

Lot 338
  • 338

Conrad, Joseph

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Conrad, Joseph
  • The Works [Sun-Dial edition]. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1920-1928
  • paper
18 volumes only (of 24), 8vo, number 599 of 735 copies signed by the author, this set with an autograph letter signed by Conrad tipped-in to Almayer’s Folly, frontispiece, contemporary three-quarter morocco gilt by Bayntun, spines gilt in compartments with ship motifs, top edges gilt

[with, tipped-in to volume one:] Autograph letter signed, to Sir Sidney Colvin, sending him the manuscript of his play One Day More for comment and correction ("...as far as any further alterations and coupures are concerned I place myself unreservedly in my friends' hands. Do me the favour of accepting this carte blanche..."), explaining that he has made a similar request to George Bernard Shaw and discussing the play's casting ("...I consider Miss Constance Collier's desire to take the part of Bessie as a piece of good luck for me..."), also complaining of gout (“...there were four days when I had to lie on my back as helpless as a waterlogged and dismasted hulk...”), 2 pages, 4to, headed stationery of Pent Farm, Stanford, Kent, 2 June 1905, strengthened with tape, some splitting at folds, light soiling



One Day More, an adaptation of Conrad's story 'Tomorrow', was performed by the non-commercial Incorporated Stage Society towards the end of June 1905. It was not a success, despite the enthusiasm of G.B. Shaw, and Conrad recalled that "the freezing atmosphere of that auditorium ... was cold enough to preserve a dead sheep to the end of ages" (Stape, p.149).

Provenance

Doyle, 3 May 2006, lot 3026

Literature

Collected Letters, IX, pp.105-6

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."