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Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)
Who?
One of the first modernist English novelists, he has been called an impressionist because of his ambiguous style. His main themes are vulnerability and corruptibility. His English prose is impeccable but also idiosyncratic.
Must reads
Lord Jim (1900), Typhoon (1902), Heart of Darkness (1902), Nostromo (1904), The Secret Agent (1907) and Under Western Eyes (1911).
Darkest hour
Conrad was born of Polish parents in the Russian-controlled Ukraine. He was exiled with them to Volagda, northern Russia, because of his father's anti-Russian politics. In 1864, when he was seven, his mother died.
Greatest triumph
In 1913, his novel Chance was published and brought his first popular and financial success.
Essential quotes
'In the destructive element immerse – that was the way.' (Lord Jim)
'Mistah Kurtz – he dead.' (Heart of Darkness)
'The terrorist and the policeman both come from the same basket.' (The Secret Agent)
Gossip
He was plagued by money problems all his life and his novels were generally ill-received by critics and public.
Did u know?
After both his parents died, he went to sea in 1874. After 20 years as a sailor, he settled in England and started writing. He published his first novel at the age of 38, writing in English, his third language. He wrote using a dictionary.
What to say
Conrad is the master of indirect storytelling, in which the tale gradually emerges despite the fact that his narrators are unreliable and only know part of the truth.
Don't say
He's all at sea.
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