Beschreibung:

CONRAD, JOSEPH. The Nigger of the "Narcissus." A Tale of the Sea. London: Heinemann 1898. 8vo, original dark slate cloth, extremities slightly rubbed, endpaper cracked at front inner hinge, half morocco slipcase . First English Published Edition, the "H" in the publisher's name on spine stamped larger than the rest of the letters, 16-page publisher's catalogue dated 1897 at end. Smith 3. Tipped in at front is an autograph letter signed ("Jos. Conrad") to "Dear Auntie Elsie" (most probably Elsie Hueffer, the first wife of his collaborator and friend Ford Madox Ford), "Sunday evening," n.p., n.d. (the date "March 17, 1902" in pencil in a different hand--The recipient's), one page, 4to, a bit split at two folds, some discoloration, marginal tears repaired : "I write the obligatory letter for Jessie who besides entertaining Jack is harbouring a great ache in her head...The terms of the letter need not be obligatory, our sentiments being of a spontaneous, independent, sincere and original type. The two days in W have been delightful...pray believe in our gratitude. Will you kindly tell the domestic despot [Ford Madox Ford?] that I've written a good many pages on Saturday, none today, and contemplate a field day for to-morrow. My immortal productions, you had gratified me so much by asking for, leave on Monday evening addressed to your honoured hands. My love to the chicks and to the authors of their being..." (2)