- 339
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Conrad, Joseph
- Typed letter signed, with autograph corrections, to Harold Waldo
- ink on paper
thanking him for the gift of his novel Stash of the Marsh Country and, although averring that "I am not a critic", providing a critique of its narrative technique ("...no matter how rapid the action and the swiftness of impressions inherent in the conception of a given piece of fiction, there should be for the fulness of effect (and for depth of truth too) a certain leisureliness of style, something on which the mind (as distinguished from the emotions) of the reader should be able to rest, a sort of solid ground on which he can follow the writer through the changing scenes of the story. Otherwise ... there will be an effect of the story being too much summarised; and as much of its truth lost in the reading as in the perception of a ... landscape is lost when seen through the window of a train moving at the rate of sixty miles an hour..."), 2 pages, 4to, headed stationery of Oswalds, Bishopbourne, Kent, 25 October 1921, strengthened at folds, remains of adhesive tape
Harold Waldo was an American novelist. His novel Stash of the Marsh Country followed the progress of a Polish immigrant to Michigan, Stashlav Plazarski, using a "kaleidoscopic" narrative style.
Harold Waldo was an American novelist. His novel Stash of the Marsh Country followed the progress of a Polish immigrant to Michigan, Stashlav Plazarski, using a "kaleidoscopic" narrative style.
Literature
Collected Letters, VII, pp.360-361
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."