Conrad, Joseph

in blue ink, with autograph corrections and a six line autograph postscript in black ink, on his dramatisation of The Secret Agent, discussing the difficulty of casting Mr Vladimir ("...Polished continental society man, yes. That type is Russian in its underlying savagery and outward man-of-the-world aspect. In physique I make him in the book a round faced, clean shaven with rosy gills, sort of man, who talks wittily to women; the real nature to come out only in the hard eyes...") and the Professor ("...the very soul of revengeful anarchy..."), but reassuring Benrimo on his casting of Russell Thorndike as Ossipon and Miriam Lewes as Winnie Verloc, and concluding with tempered enthusiasm for the project ("....I feel there may be a success there; not an emotional success but a success of curiosity great enough to prevent the loyal efforts of the artists and of the sympathetic producer being utterly wasted..."), 2 pages, 4to, the first leaf on headed stationery of Oswalds, Bishopsbourne, Kent, 14 October 1922, staple holes, some spotting, minor adhesive marks to second leaf not affecting text

Sotheby's, London, 11 July 1996, lot 266

Collected Letters, VII, pp.531-33

Condition is described inthe 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."

A revealing letter in which Conrad brings to life the principle characters in one of his greatest works. The theatrical version of The Secret Agent was the culmination of Conrad's efforts as a dramatist; unlike the earlier dramatisation of Victory, Conrad produced the script himself and - as this letter shows - was closely involved with the production. His correspondent, J. Harry Benrimo, was an American actor turned impresario who produced the play at the Ambassadors Theatre. The play opened on 2 November but it was not a success and closed after ten performances.