Lot 77
Joseph Conrad Autograph Letter to Publisher John Malaby (J.M.) Dent, c.1914
Lot 77 Details
Joseph Conrad Autograph Letter to Publisher John Malaby (J.M.) Dent, c.1914
on Capel House, Orlestone, Nr. Ashford stationary, referencing his book Nostromo and his disappointment at its initial reviews
10 x 8 in — 25.4 x 20.3 cm
Estimate $1,000-$2,000
Additional Images
Provenance:
Office and Estate of John Malaby Dent, London
Offices of J.M. Dent Publishers, Toronto
Then by descent through the family.
Note:
Dear Mr. Dent,
I had no doubt you would do everything in your power for Nostromo. I wanted the text of this edition to be my final text, eventually to be followed in the limited standard edition which is yet in the womb of time.
You will find here my preface or note. I considered it carefully so as not to say too much and yet to enhance the sense of reality. You'll see for yourself. It's by far the longest, but then Nostromo is my biggest creative effort; and, besides, that book (where it was reviewed) was not understood at the time. I am telling you this, but please do not quote me publicly.
I do not think the other book can possibly matter from the "publication" point of view. If its atmosphere is similar then it is true. There certainly I knew what I was doing.
Always faithfully yours,
Joseph Conrad
N.B.: The letter is undated, but Capel House was Conrad's home from 1910-1919.