Conrad, Joseph

8vo, first edition, an unnumbered and unsigned copy of this edition which was limited to 377, a presentation copy for Mr and Mrs Arthur Curtiss James, with an autograph letter by Conrad to the Jameses bound in, the volume inscribed "Presentation Copy" in a non-autograph hand on the limitation, frontispiece after an etching by Muirhead Bone, mostly unopened, original parchment boards lettered in gilt on spine and upper cover, top edge gilt, dust-jacket, collector's slipcases in cloth and parchment gilt respectively, light wear to head and foot of spine, jacket expertly restored and laid down to card, spine of jacket faded; the autograph letter by Conrad to Mr and Mrs Arthur Curtiss James bound in before the limitation ("...in grateful remembrance of their kind and gracious hospitality to which I owe my unique experience of the 10th May 1923..."), 1 page, 8vo, headed stationery ("Oswalds, Bishopsbourne, Kent"), Bishopsbourne, no date [after 10 May and before 4 October 1923] 

Keating 178; Collected Letters, VIII, p.188

"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 handsome presentation copy, whose publication, on 30 November 1923, preceded the first trade edition by one day. Conrad had met the financier and philanthropist Arthur Curtiss James (1867-1941), and his wife (née Harriet Eddy Parsons (1868-1941), during his promotional tour in America in May 1923. Conrad's talk on, and readings from, Victory at the Jameses on 10 May is described briefly by the author in his letter to Richard Curle of the following day (Collected Letters, VIII, p.94):

"...But I must drop you a line to say that the evening at Mrs Curtis[s] James was a most fashionable affair - and what's more a real success...One hour and a quarter with an ovation at the end. They were most attentive. Laughs at proper places and snuffles at the last when I read the whole chapter of chapter of Lena's death. It was a great social function and people fought for invitations..."