'The first imaginative work by an Englishman ... [Joseph Conrad] read was Nicholas Nickleby (1839).'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Riceyman Steps' had brought him new prestige; it was read by lords and barbers, and Conrad was reported to say that it showed 'Bennett victorious'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I also gratefully acknowledge receipt of the "Daily Telegraph." The Liberal gov was defeated on the budget vote a day or so [9 June 1885] before our departure from Penarth; as soon as we arrived here I looked anxiously t[h]rough the papers expecting great things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'The second number of the "Standard" came to hand yesterday via Singapore.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
''I have finished "Yaga" - twice. I shall write nothing to you about it while I am still under its charm.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thank you for your letter and the "Revue [des deux Mondes"], which I received two days ago. I have read "La Madone [de Busowska]" and am pleased to have read it in French and in your adaptation, for I think it must be tiring indeed in Polish if [Ladislas] Lozinski - like the others - is in the habit of "marking time" as you put it. Naturally I do not find there the "relief", the distinct style one finds in "Yaga", but I recognise with very great pleasure the language, style, indeed almost all the purely literary pleasure the reading of "Yaga" gave me. The fact is that, restored in appetite (if I may express myself so), I have just reread "Yaga"-which I like more than ever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thank you for your letter and the "Revue [des deux Mondes"], which I received two days ago. I have read "La Madone [de Busowska]" and am pleased to have read it in French and in your adaptation, for I think it must be tiring indeed in Polish if [Ladislas] Lozinski - like the others - is in the habit of "marking time" as you put it. Naturally I do not find there the "relief", the distinct style one finds in "Yaga", but I recognise with very great pleasure the language, style, indeed almost all the purely literary pleasure the reading of "Yaga" gave me. The fact is that, restored in appetite (if I may express myself so), I have just reread "Yaga"-which I like more than ever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[...] you remind me a little of Flaubert, whose "Madame Bovary" I have just reread with respectful admiration.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I threw myself (in a manner of speaking) on "Popes et popadias" with eagerness and high hopes. From the first lines my hopes were realised - and then very quickly surpassed. It is a marvel of observation, which gives the liveliest pleasure as such, not to mention the style,which I do not dare judge- but let me say it charmed me. You are very good at description. Beginning with the ferry crossing under a threatening sky, I read the entire series of scenes which make up your charming tale with avidity. It takes a small scale narrative (short story) to show the master's hand.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I am charmed with "Joujou". It is altogether and delightfully shocking. Where the devil did you find it? Pardon the nautical language.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Yesterday evening I escaped from the ship for the pilgrimage to the station. I have my parcel No.4000 and something. Just imagine a work of art called parcel No.4000, etc,etc,etc [...] It was late. I have read only the first chapter. I cannot judge even if I dared. But from the first pages I am in the presence of your charming originality. It is really you!
I do not have time to read the book at one sitting but I will really savour it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am reading "Le fils Grandsire" with delight. It is charming and characteristic: it is alive. I shall finish the book tomorrow and speak of it in my next letter.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I finished the book [Le Mariage du fils Grandsire] a while ago; then I went over several passages while waiting the chance to reread it entirely.' [here follows Conrad's appreciative and detailed comments on the novel, which is set in Lille in the years leading up to the Franco-Prussian war and tells of Michel Grandsire who marries against the wishes of his family, his wife deserts him, he joins the army; gravely wounded he is nursed by his childhood sweetheart (from ed.footnote p.146 in source text)
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
''I reread "Yaga" only the other day. It gave me intense pleasure. I read slowly and mingled my dreams with these pages that I love so well.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical, not clear whether this was being read in the book version or that published in the Revue des Deux Monde
'I am reading Maupassant with delight. I have just finished "Le Lys rouge" by Anatole France. it means nothing to me. I can do no serious reading. I have just begun to write -only the day before yesterday.["The Two Vagabonds" subsequently to become "An Outcast of the Islands"(1896)]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comments
'I am reading Maupassant with delight. I have just finished "Le Lys rouge" by Anatole France. it means nothing to me. I can do no serious reading. I have just begun to write -only the day before yesterday.["The Two Vagabonds" subsequently to become "An Outcast of the Islands"(1896)]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have just reread "Le fils Grandsire", opening the book at random, and continuing at random, I have read every single word. with an odd and entirely sentimental fondness,I truly love this book. On every page I find you at your most lovable.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I fear I may be too much under the influence of Maupassant. I have studied "Pierre et Jean" - thought, method and all - with the profoundest despair. It seems nothing but has a technical complexity which makes me tear my hair. one feels like weeping with rage while reading it. Ah well!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Now I only want to say that "An Imagined World " charmed my eyes with a charm of its own-distinc[t]ly.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The Scottish dailies have begun to review my "Folly" ["Almayer's Folly"]. brief, journalistic, but full of praise! Above all, the "Scotsman", the major Edinburgh paper, is almost enthusiastic. The "Glasgow Herald" speaks with a more restrained benevolence.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.'
Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.'
Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.'
Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am sorry to miss making the acquaintance of Mr Becke. Strangely enough I have been, only the other day, reading again his "Reef and Palm". Apart from the great interest of the stories what I admire most is his perfect unselfishness in the telling of them.[...] I haven't seen yet the "The First Fleet Family" and have a great curiosity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have read "The First Fleet Family" with interest tempered by disappointment.'
Thereafter follow two pages of largely negative criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I had this morning a charming surprise in the shape of the "Spoils of Poynton" sent me by H. James with a very characteristic and friendly inscription on the flyleaf. I need not tell you how pleased I am. I have already read the book. It is as good as anything of his--almost--a story of love and wrongheadedness revolving around a houseful of artistic furniture. It's Henry James and nothing but Henry James.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've just finished reading "Liza of Lambeth" It is certainly worth reading--but whether it's worth talking about is another question. I at any rate have nothing to say except this--that I do not like society novels--and Liza to me is just a society novel--society of a kind.[...] It will be fairly successful I believe--for it is a "genre" picture without any atmosphere and consequently no reader can live in it. He just looks on--and that is what the general reader prefers.'
Conrad then compares the novel to George Du Maurier's illustrations.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I delayed sending you my acknowledgement for the September issue [of Blackwood's Magazine] [...]The appreciation of Mrs Oliphant's work is just in the right note. It is justice--and discriminating justice--rendered to that serene talent. I think she wrote too much (perhaps it's envy; to me it's simply inconceivable) but she was ever faithful to her artistic temperament--she always expressed herself. She was a better artist than George Elliot [sic] and, at her best immensely superior to any living woman novelist I can call to mind. Harris (an old friend of mine--in his work) can write more than a bit. Not to everyone is given to be so graphic and so easy at the same time. Besides his point of view is most sympathetic to me. Blackmore is himself--of course. But Professor Saintsbury's paper interested me most--a bit of fundamental criticism most cleverly expounded.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'What do you think of the "Gadfly"? I wrote what I thought to P. [presumably Sydney Pawling of Heinemann] who rejoined gallantly. But it comes to this, if his point of view is accepted, that having suffered is sufficient excuse for the production of rubbish.[...] I don't remember ever reading a book I disliked so much.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the copy of the November number [of Blackwood;'s Magazine][...] I turned to "Tennyson" with eagerness.'
Hence follow several line of discussion on this review article.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Humphry James is good. Is he very deep or very simple? And by the bye R. Bridges is a poet I'm damned if he ain't! There's more poesy in one page of "Shorter Poems" than in the whole volume of Tennyson. This is my deliberate opinion. And what a descriptive power! The man hath wings--sees from on high.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Humphry James is good. Is he very deep or very simple? And by the bye R. Bridges is a poet. I'm damned if he ain't! There's more poesy in one page of "Shorter Poems" than in the whole volume of Tennyson. This is my deliberate opinion. And what a descriptive power! The man hath wings--sees from on high.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Read the "Badge" It won't hurt you --or only very little. Crane-ibn-Crane el Yankee is all right. The man sees the outside of many things and the inside of some.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'But my great excitement was reading your stories. Garnett's right. "A Man and some others" is immense. I can't spin a long yarn about it but I admire it without reserve. It is an amazing bit of biography. [...] The boat thing ["The Open Boat"] is immensely interesting.I don't use the word in its common sense.' [Hence follows several more lines of general praise].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'But my great excitement was reading your stories.Garnett's right. "A Man and some others" is immense. I can't spin a long yarn about it but I admire it without reserve. It is an amazing bit of biography. [...] The boat thing ["The Open Boat"] is immensely interesting.I don't use the word in its common sense.' [Hence follows several more lines of general praise].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I send back the MS tonight.The chapters are all as they should be. The last line excellent. Good luck to the book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown, probably a typed MS
'Yesterday I finished the "Life" [the biography of Saint Teresa of Avila by Cunninghame Graham's wife Gabriela.] Ca m'a laissé une profonde impression de tristesse [...] I can say no more just now.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
'The "Impenitent Thief" has been read more than once. I've read it several times alone and I've read it aloud to my wife. Every word has found a home.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'And the merit of the book ["Jocelyn"], (apart from distinguished literary expression) is just in this: You have given the exact measure of your characters in a language of great felicity,with measure,with poetical appropriateness to characters tragic indeed but within the bounds of their nature. That's what makes the book valuable apart from its many qualities as a piece of literary work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Now the first sensation of oppression has worn off a little what remains with one after reading the "Life of Santa Teresa" is the impression of a wonderful richness; a world peopled thickly--with the breath of mysticism over all--the landscapes, the walls,the men,the women. Of course I am quite incompetent to criticise such a work; but I can appreciate it .[...] It is absorbing like a dream amd as difficult to keep hold of.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[Arthur] Symons reviewing "Trionfo della Morte" (trans:) [Gabriele d'Annunzio's 1894 novel] in the last "Sat. Rev" went out of his way to damn Kipling and me with the same generous praise. He says that "Captains Courageous" and the "Nigger" have no idea behind them.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The "Bristol Fashion" business is excellently well put. You seem to know a lot about every part of the world and what's more you can say what you know in a most individual way.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
[in reference to Israel Zangwill's praise for "The Nigger of the Narcissus" Conrad expresses] 'a disinterested admiration for his [Zangwill's] work-- dating far back, to the days of "Premier and the Painter" which I read by chance of the Indian Ocean--a copy with covers torn off and two pages missing.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The Guide book simply magnificent [italics] Everlastingly good!. I've read it last night having only then returned home.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Mr Clifford's book reached me only yesterday--the 15th [...] The book is interesting, has insight and of course unrival[l]ed knowledge of the subject. But it is not literature.' (Then follows a justification of the responsibilities of a critic to sign reviews even if unflattering.)
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This morning I had the "Aurora" from Smithers, No.2 of the 500 copies. C'est tout simplement magnifique yet I do not exactly perceive what on earth they have been making a fuss about.[...] I notice variations in the text as I've read it in the typewritten copy.This seems the most finished piece of work you have ever done.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comments
'Blackwood's Magazine for this month has an appreciation of F.M. Kelly's [James Fitzmaurice Kelly 1857-1923] edition of Don Quixote. Very fair. Nothing striking but distinct recognition.
I do like the attitude of the "Maga" on the Spanish business.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I return the pages "To Wayfaring Men". I read them before I read your letter and have been deeply touched.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, Presumably typewritten pages
'At one o'clock [Neil] Munro and I went into the street. We talked. I had read up "The Lost Pibroch" which I do think wonderful in a way.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' "Higginson's Dream" is super-excellent. It is much too good to remind me of any of my work, but I am immensely flattered that you discern some points of similitude. Of course I am in complete sympathy with the point of view. For the same accomplishment in expression I can never hope--and Robert [Cunninghame Grahame] is too strong an individuality [sic] to be influenced by anyone's writing. He desired me to correct the proofs but the "Sat. Rev" people did not send me the proofs.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'PS I've read "Two Magics" Henry James's last. The first story ["The Turn of the Screw"] is all there. He extracts an intellectual thrill out of the subject. The second ["Covering End"] is unutterable rubbish.Quite a shock to one of the faithful.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have read "Shifting of the Fire". I have read it several times looking for your "inside" in that book; the first impression being that there is a considerable "inside" in you. The book is delightfully young.' [thereafter 30 lines of critical comment for what was Ford Madox Ford's first novel, written in his teens and later adapted by Edward Garnett.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your photograph came yesterday (It's good!) and the book ["Mogreb-el-Acksa"] arrived by this evening's post. I dropped everything--as you may imagine and rushed at it paper knife in hand. It is with great difficulty I interrupt my reading at the 100th page -- and I interrupt it only to write to you.
A man staying here has been reading over my shoulder; for we share our best with the stranger within our tent. No thirsty men drank water as we have been drinking in, swallowing, tasting, blessing, enjoying, gurgling, choking over, absorbing, your thought, your phrases, your irony [...Then follows ten lines of enthusiastic praise for the book.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Just a word or two about Robert's book. It is a glorious performance. Much as we expected of him. [...] Nothing approaching it has appeared since Burton's "Mecca" ["Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" 1855] [...] The Journey in Morocco is a work of art, a book of travel written like this is no longer a book of travel--it is a creative work.[...] The book pulled at my very heart strings.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks ever so much for "The Invisible Man". I shall keep him a few more days longer.
Frankly--it is uncommonly fine.[Hence follows a long paragraph of appreciative comment comparing it favorably with "The War of the Worlds".] The letter ends with 'In reading this last ["The Invisible Man"], one is touched by the anguish of it, as by something that may one day happen to oneself.It is a great triumph for you'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Do you think Stephen will be home for Christmas? His story in B. ["Blackwood's Magazine"] is magnificent. It is the very best thing he has done since "The Red Badge [of Courage]"--and it has even something the "Red Badge" has not--or not so much of. He is maturing. He is expanding.' [Then follows six more lines of praise.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I had a treat in the shape of a number of the "Singapore Free Press" 2 and a half columns about "Mr Conrad at home and abroad". extremely laudatory but in fact telling me I don't know anything about it. Well I never did set up as an authority on Malaysia. I looked for a medium in which to express myself. I am inexact and ignorant no doubt (most of us are) but I don't think I sinned so recklessly. Curiously enough all the details about the little characteristic acts and customs which they hold up as proof I have taken out (to be safe) from undoubted sources--dull,wise books.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'The trans: of the T.M.["The Time Machine"] is really first rate. What an admirably good thing it is, this T.M. How true,clever, ingenious, full of thought and beauty. I read on in the trans: neglecting my work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Today, from your kindness, I received the "Chronicle" with Robert's [Cunninghame Graham] letter. C'est bien ça -- c'est bien lui!' [Its good, that-- it's really him!]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'The thing ["A Paheka"] in "West.Gaz." is excellent, excellent.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
''I was delighted with the number. Gibbon especially fetched me quite. But everything is good. Munro's verses--excellent, and Whibley very interesting--very appreciative,very fair. I happen to know Rimbaud's verses.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I have just read "Family Portraits". I am a bad critic: it is difficult for me to express with the right words the pleasure that the reading of your charming sketch has given me; but when I raised my eyes from the page , it was with the very vivid feeling of having seen not only the long line of the portaits but also the beauty of the profound and tender idea which illuminated for you all the faces portrayed, the sad eyes of the dead with the flame of a gentle pity and a penetrating sympathy.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read "Vathek" at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse.
Thereupon came "The Stealing of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Unknown
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read "Vathek" at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse.
Thereupon came "The Stealing of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read"Vathek" at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse.
Thereupon came "The Stealing of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Referring to criticism of Henry James by John Galsworthy that James did not 'write from the heart':
'To me even "R.T." ["The Real Thing" 1892,1893] seems to flow from the heart because and only because the work approaching [sic] so near perfection yet does not strike cold.[...] The outlines are so clear the figures so finished, chiselled, carved and brought out[...]. The volume of short stories entitled I think "The Lesson of the Master" [1892] contains a tale called "The Pupil" if I remember rightly where the underlying feeling of the man --his really wide sympathy--is seen nearer the surface.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
Referring to criticism of Henry James by John Galsworthy that James did not 'write from the heart':
'To me even "R.T." ["The Real Thing" 1892,1893] seems to flow from the heart because and only because the work approaching [sic] so near perfection yet does not strike cold.[...] The outlines are so clear the figures so finished, chiselled, carved and brought out[...]. The volume of short stories entitled I think "The Lesson of the Master" [1892] contains a tale called "The Pupil" if I remember rightly where the underlying feeling of the man --his really wide sympathy--is seen nearer the surface.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
'I hold "Ipané". Hoch! Hurra! Vivat! May you live! And now I know I am virtuous because I read and had no pang of jealousy. There are things in that volume that are like magic and though space and through the distance of regretted years convey to one the actual feeling, the sights, the sounds, the thoughts; one steps on the earth, breathes the air and has the sensation of your past. I know of course every sketch; what was almost a surprise was the extraordinarily good convincing effect of the whole. [...] I have read it already three times.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'In reading the last number of the "Mercure [de France]" I had a moment of very lively pleasure, and I owe it to you. Thanks. you have given your opinion in words that go straight to my heart. The phrase "who is one of ours" touched me, for, truly I feel bound to France by a deep sympathy [...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I received the book only three hours ago--and it is only too short! I've read it twice.[...]. Many thanks. I've lived for a few hours in your pages.Of the sketches I've not previously seen, "The Central Gaol" and "The Vigil of Pa' Tua" are the two I like the best. Of the others,"The Death March" has always been my favorite; indeed all are absorbing--to me at least.'
Thereafter follow almost three pages of detailed and constructive criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Referring to the reporting of the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902): 'I can't say I shared in the hysterical transports of some public organs for the simple reason that I expected to see displayed all the valour, perseverance, devotion which in fact have been displayed. Confound these papers. From the tone of some of them one would have thought they expected the artillery to clear out at a gallop across hills and ravines[...]. Those infernal scribblers are rank outsiders .'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'I think Zack [Gwendolen Keats] may be congratulated on the novel. It is an advance on the short stories--a promising advance. I've just finished reading it having waited for the last inst: [...] The French article [about the Dreyfus case] in the last number I dislike frankly as to tone. It is not "Maga's" tone either; it does not give an impression of intelligence behind the words--it is not quite candid. [...] The navy article awfully interesting and the Fashon in fiction simply delightful.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I prefer to say nothing critical about John Buchan's story'.
Hence follow more than twenty lines of quite strong and pointed, almost entirely negative, criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I wanted to thank you for the volume you've sent me. The preface is jolly good let me tell you. It is wonderfully good--and true. Thanks to you both.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'As to your sketch (for it is that) in last "B'wood", it has pleased me immensely. The simplicity of treatment is effective.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I send you my affectionate thanks for the book ["The Plattner Story and Others"] and for the terms of the inscription on the fly-leaf; for the more I know of you--in our inconclusive talks--the more I feel that such should be the terms of our intercourse. I've of course read the book more than once. You get hold of one by your immense power of presentation, by your capacity to give shape, colour, aspect to the invisible.[...] '
Hence follows about twenty lines of appreciative comment and some negative criticism of one of the stories "The Cone".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[...] but now since I've received the "Sat. Review" I've something to write about. The "German Tramp" is not only excellent[...] but it is something more. Of your short pieces I don't know but this this is the one I like best. The execution has a vigour-the right touch-- and an ease that delight me.'
Hence follows around ten lines of appreciative criticism including a reference to two other stories published in the Saturday Review in 1899.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
In a long letter to Edward Garnett, in which Conrad outlines some aspects of his family history, he writes that his father Apollonius N. Korzeniowski translated into Polish Victor Hugo's "La Légende des Siècles", "Travailleurs de la Mer" and " Hernani", Alfred de Vigny's " Chatterton", Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", "As You Like It", "Two Gentlemen of Verona", "A Comedy of Errors" and "Othello" .
'These I remember seeing in proofs when sent for his correction.[...] Some of these I've read when I could be no more than eight or nine years old.' [See also additional comments.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Codex, Sheet, One page of his father's translation into Polish.
'It was only a month before or perhaps it was only a week before, that I had read to him aloud from beginning to end, and to his perfect satisfaction, as he lay on the bed not being very well at the time, the proofs of his translation of Victor Hugo's "Toilers of the Sea". Such was[...] my first introduction to the sea in literature. [...] I am not likely to forget the process of being trained in the art of reading aloud.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Codex, Sheet, Conrad's father's translation into Polish.
'But as to "Buta" it is altogether and fundamentally good, good in matter--that's of course--but good wonderfully good in form and especially in expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Have you seen the last vol of Mrs Garnett's Turgeniev? There's a story there. "Three Portraits" really fine. Also "Enough" worth reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
'I add a few words above all to talk to you about the book. I've read the novel for the third time, faithfully--from one end to the other. It's very good. It's very good! The characters are defined with a precision which I envy in you. [...] I love the book.There is a very gentle charm and also power in the style.'
Hence follows five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the vol. Chaffery is immense. The thing as a whole remarkable in its effects.'
Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
''The MS heralded by your letter arrived this morning. I've had the time to read it . it is wonderfully well done: technically and in the clearness of the idea it is superior to the "Villa [Rubein]". Jack [Galsworthy] is making giant strides;[...]'
Hence follows twenty lines of encouragement.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I've read "Cruz Alta" four days ago. c'est tout simplement magnifique. I know most of the sketches, in fact nearly all, except "Cruz Alta" itself.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the "Cinque Ports" which came today as a most agreeable surprise. In the matter of outward characteristics the book has substance, appearance an air of sober finish which to me is very pleasing. [...] Hueffer's talent has been from the first sympathetic to me. Throughout his feeling is true and his expression genuine with ease and moderation.'
Hence follow nine lines of restrained praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I wanted to write to you about Your book [...] you know how paralysed one is sometimes-- and then we had talked--I had tried to talk of the book so many times that it seemed to have become part of me, that part of belief amd thought so intimate that it cannot be put into speech as if it cannot live apart from one coherent self.' [See also additional comments].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've read " Petersburg Tales". Phew! That is something! [...] That work is genuine, undeniable, constructed and inhabited. It hath [sic] foundation and life.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've read "The Silence" once but shall keep it till tomorrow. Certain remarks I keep for a note which I will send you together with the MS. Here I will only say that I feel strongly my good fortune in being able to sympathise more and more with your work, with its spirit, feeling and fundamental conception.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Many thanks for your letter. The enclosure was most interesting. It reveals an original personality and to me attractive. It is at the same time a most flattering recognition of my qualities and shortcomings. I shall write to Mr Constable in a day or two.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
'I run on with leaden feet and do not seem to advance an inch. I see no one, read nothing but "Maga" which is a solace a treat, an event.'
Hence follows a short commentary on four items in the issue of Blackwood's Magazine referred to.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I have never had the pleasure of meeting him [Admiral Sir William Robert Kennedy] ; but I've read and admired his book.[...] I re-read Admiral Kennedy's book with gratitude and have a great affection for the man [...].'
Interspersed are ten lines of rather nostalgic praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'As to "Charlotte" the genuineness of its conception the honesty of its feeling make that work as welcome as a breath of fresh air to a breast oppressed by all the fumes and cheap perfumes of fiction that is [sic ]thrown on the altar of publicity in the hopes of propitiating the god of big sales. It is refreshing indeed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Nevertheless I've read the book ["A Man of Devon"] twice'.
Hence follows a page of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am altogether under the charm of that book ["A Vanished Arcadia"] in accord with its spirit and full of admiration for its expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The lecture is splendid. It is striking in its expression [...]and in its eloquence too [...].I call it scientific eloquence--that is eloquence appealing not to the passions like the eloquence of the orator but to the reason..[...] All the criticism I've seen (now after reading the lecture) strike me as extremely unfair --[...] '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It's wonderful how well sustained is the excellence of "Charlotte".I've just read the last instalment [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The reading of the "Man from the North" has inspired me with the greatest respect for your artistic conscience. I am profoundly impressed with the achievement of style.[...] as you may suppose I've read the book more than once. Unfortunately I don't know how to criticise; to discuss however I am ready.'
Hence follow about ten lines of constructive criticism of what Conrad calls the 'design' of the novel.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'As to "Bushwhacking" you know I prize it above anything that may be written in acknowledgement of a presentation volume.[...]The book I consider as the best expression of your talent. All is seen and all is felt, with that gift of expression peculiar to you which suggests action itself underneath the record of vision and emotion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your paper in the "Academy" mutilated as it is by the mystic mind illustrates my meaning.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thanks for the "Rossetti". My opinion of it you know but I am reading it carefully. It is good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Remenber me faithfully to your wife whose translation of "Karenina" is splendid. Of the thing itself I think but little, so that her merit shines with the greater lustre.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I'm sorry I kept the MS so long.[...] However I've read it more than once; the difficulty was to say something useful.[...] I do not want to deface the pages tho' I have meditated them.[...] The passages I have written on loose sheets embody my criticism which is concerned solely with the technique.'
Hence follow five lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I've lazed-- though I must say I did look through all the stories. It was the first look and I have done no actual underlining.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'But if I could not find time to write to you [to acknowledge receipt of the presentation copy] I had found time to read your book. I read it once, twice,then kept it upstairs for dipping into when I came up to bed.'
Hence follow twenty lines of praise and an invitation to Pent Farm to further discuss the work.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I feel so dull and muddle-headed that I daren't even attempt to give you now an idea of the effect the little volume ["Success"] had produced on me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Excellent, the last number of "Maga".especially [...] Neil Munro's instalment'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The review [in the "Spectator"] is good is it not.The "Speaker" also reviewed me the same week--Whig and Tory. That is also a good review. Upon the whole the "Press" is good. The provincial papers seem to catch on to "Jim". They sent me cuttings from Ed'gh. The Bradford "Observer" was most appreciative.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
'The" River of Cathay" is good; it is right; perfectly right; right in tone and in expression. It pleased me much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I ought to have thanked you before but I preferred to read the book first. I've read it twice with casts back here and there. The book is remarkable- and that it will be very much remarked I have no doubt.'
Thence follows eleven lines of qualified praise though comparing the book rather unfavourably with Clifford's 1898 work "Since the Beginning".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have been reading again the "[A] Vanished Arcadia" - from the dedication, so full of charm, to the last paragraph with its ironic aside about the writers of books "proposing something and concluding nothing" - and its exquisite last lines [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The "Mercure de France" notice is agreeable - and as he [Henry-Durand Davray] reproduces what I have been lately talking at him as to French fiction I am flattered.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The book ("Maison du Peché") has arrived and is now half read. Without going further my verdict is that it is good , but is not "fort".'
Thence follows five lines of moderately negative criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your Saturday Review fling is first rate. Nothing I liked more since the gold-fish carrier story'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'He [Edward Garnett] gave me his father's book for you. He handed it to me because I wanted to look at some new stories in the vol:[...] I send it on now. E.G[arnett]. thinks that the intelligence and irony of the book may appeal to H.G.[Wells] I think so too.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Referring to Elsie Hueffer's translation of Maupassant: 'I've "suggested" on the proof numbered 2 everything that occurred to me as improvement. Your work and your corrections are all right. The preface is extremely good.' Hence follow twelve lines of minor comments about the translation, mostly directed at Ford's preface,rather than Elsie's translation of the text.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Proofs
'There is any amount of masterly pages. I have not read all of them as you may imagine. [...] Yes the "virtue" of the book is great.'
Interspersed and following are several lines of warm praise for Wells's new book.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'An excellent volume. Last time I saw you , you spoke of it slightingly-and this only adds to my envy of your astounding gift-for if this is the sort of thing you throw off while you whistle!-well!'
Thence follow tweleve lines of praise for this collection of short stories.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You must think me a brute. I don't even attempt to palliate an inexcusable delay in thanking you for "Leonora".[...] Yes. you can do things; you present them with a skill and a language for which I wish to thank you as distinc[t]ly as possible, and with all the respect due to such a remarkable talent.[...] And here the first criticism that occurs is that there is not enough of Leonora herself. [...] And that's about the only objection that can be made to the book as a work. With the sheer pleasure of reading it, that-say-defect- does not interfere.'
Thence follow sixteen more lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'A thousand thanks for the article you devote to me in the "Revue". I read it with lively interest, profound attention and much gratitude.'
Thence follow six more lines of grateful appreciation of the article.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I have to thank you for Morel's pamphlet which reached me from L'pool a few days ago.There can be no doubt that his presentation of the commercial policy and the administrative methods of the Congo State is absolutely true. It is a most brazen breach of faith as to Europe. It is in every aspect an enormous and atrocious lie in action.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Next to tell you that "H.[Hernando] de Soto" is most exquisitely excellent: your very mark and spirit upon a subject that only you can do justice to-with your wonderful English and your sympathetic insight into the souls of the Conquistadores.' Thence follows half a page of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The reading of the "White Bird", apart from the sheer pleasure your work always gives, had a special interest for me as demonstrating once more your wonderful power to deal with fanciful and delicate conceptions; something much too perfect to be called skill.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It only remains for me to add that I am on page 24 of "Ivan the Terrible"; that is to say that I have been comforted 24 times by complete forgetfulness of my difficulties.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Arrived: A book with a Chinese title of Scandinavian authorship translated by Mrs Reynolds. I am touched and pleased indeed by the kind`attention. Have looked into it alreday with the translator alone in view. And that is all right. That's all I have to say. If I were to talk of skill and fluency and mastery and the rest of the journalese bosh you would not believe me and you would be right. But the thing will do and that's the most an honest man can say of any writing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Hudson's "Sparrow" is really first rate and just in the tone I expected. C'est une belle nature, which never falls short of its domain. One can depend upon him. The other volume I have been reading with a surprised admiration. It shall be an abiding delight-I see that much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Hudson's "Sparrow" is really first rate and just in the tone I expected. C'est une belle nature, which never falls short of its domain. One can depend upon him. The other volume I have been reading with a surprised admiration. It shall be an abiding delight-I see that much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your first inst[alment] [of "Kipps"] in the PMM [Pall Mall Magazine] is jolly good. It turns up [sic] remarkably well. Coming upon it unexpectedly (the No.of PMM was sent to me) I gave a great gasp to see the story of which I had heard first so long ago now beginning at last. I don't know that I will read the other instalments. I should think not. I've been pleased and now I can wait. There is in that opening, my dear boy, a quality.'
Hence follow eight more lines of praise, including a resolution to read the second instalment after all.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'All I can say is that I am quite enthusiastic about the work ["A Modern Utopia"]. From the first line of the preface to the closing sentence I feel in touch with a more accessible Wells - a Wells mellowed, as it were in the meditation of the three books of which this last one is certainly the nearest to my understanding and the most commanding to my assent.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This moment I receive "Progress", or rather the moment (last night) occurred favorably to let me read before I sat down to write. Nothing in my writing life [...] has give mre a greater pleasure, a deeper satisfaction of innocent vanity [...] than the dedication of the book so full of admirable things, from the wonderful preface to the slightest of the sketches between the covers.' Hence follow nine more lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've just read Nelson. It is very good. Some criticism can be made mainly on the point that you presuppose too much knowledge of facts in your readers. Still we shall try to place it where it may be judged sympathetically.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'The book ["The Year of Trafalgar"] arrived. Some day I will bring it to London for you to write your name and mine on the flyleaf, thus making it specially valuable apart from its intrinsic worth, which I have been eagerly absorbing.'
Hence follow eight lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your article on [Icelandic] Sagas first rate and extracts quoted are good. I quite see how one could get dramas out of that.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I have re-read your book on Trafalgar and can only repeat that your argumentation is absolutely convincing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'If you don't know already it may interest you to know that in Anatole France's last book ["Sur la pierre blanche"] there are two allusions to you.'
Hence follow eleven lines of clarification and discussion.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I don't know whether I ought to mention my delight at your approval of "Abeille" [by Anatole France]. I put it in your hands with confidence and trust - but one never knows.[...] I must tell you in confidence that some time ago dear Jack [Galsworthy] sat upon me so heavily for my admiration of "Thais" that I promised to myself to walk very delicately in the way of recommending books for the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I don't know whether I ought to mention my delight at your approval of "Abeille" [by Anatole France]. I put it in your hands with confidence and trust - but one never knows.[...] I must tell you in confidence that some time ago dear Jack [Galsworthy] sat upon me so heavily for my admiration of "Thais" that I promised to myself to walk very delicately in the way of recommending books for the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The book ["The Man of Property"] is in parts marvellously done and in its whole a piece of art-undubitably [sic] a piece of art. I've read it 3 times. My respect for you increased with every reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: presumably copy of MS which had been sent for publication, or the page proofs, since the book was not published until 23 March 1906
'The blessed vol: ["The Fifth Queen"] arrived about 4 days ago - or is it a week? I've read it twice - thats all.[...] Here I'll add one more phrase bearing upon the most "sensible" general effect.[...] The pictorial impression of the whole is positively overwhelming.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[Ford's] "The Heart of the Country" is out today and a very charming piece of writing it is.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've read Jack's article in the "Speaker". Hum! Hum! He had better be careful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The Comet appeared to my naked (and surprised) eye yesterday morning. By a great effort of will I stuck to my own task till lunchtime. I began my observations in the afternoon and continued at it far into the night. I've completed them this morning. It is indeed a phenomenon!' Hence follow 18 lines of preliminary commentary on the text.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'And on the subject of Wells, his book on the United States is quite smart. He has understood a heap of fundamentally unintelligible things. That's the purpose of an imagination like his, aided by an intelligence as sharp as acid.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I got the play ["The Breaking Point"] at 9 this morning. I've shut myself up with it at once and I won't come out of the room. I will see no one, will let no word or thing come between it and me till I've written to you.' Hence follow five pages of commentary and praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: unclear whether MS or printed playscript
'I am sending you with my love a pretty edition of "Emaux et Camées" [of Théophile Gautier]. I don't think you have anything on your shelves of the bon poète. I haven't seen these poems since, since the days before the Deluge. How simple they were those great romantics!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've read your book ["His People"] with the usual delight and more than the usual admiration.[...] Three times I've gone through your pages so vigorous, so personal and so exquisite. What a "Return of the Native" you have given us! "His People" is a wonderful piece of description and an amazing piece of analysis.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Years ago I looked into "Typee" and "Omoo" but as I didn't find there what I am looking for when I open a book I did go no further. Lately I had in my hand "Moby Dick". It struck me as a rather strained rhapsody with whaling for a subject and not a single sincere line in the 3 vols of it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have been a few times to the Town [Montpellier] Library- with an object. And the object is reading up all I can discover there about Napoleon in Elba.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Jessie's cooking book is written and quite ready and corrected with several Remarks, 130 recipes and Prefaces by yours truly-all wanting to be retyped nice and clean.[...] My preface is a mock serious thing[...] but the little book is not bad. Its about 15,000 words or a little less.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, final typescript and possibly earlier versions as well
'My dearest Jack I read the "C[ountry H[ouse]" with perfectly unalloyed delight. [...] I can only say it came to me in book form with a freshness, with a force, with an authority which simply amazed me.'
Hence follow four more lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' I didn't write before because I was finishing something. That does not mean that I did not read the play ["Joy"] at once. I've read it more than once the very first day, then many times since in whole of in parts[...]'
Hence follows a page of praise with some mild negative criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: probably a playscript
'I've read Hueffer's portrait of Mr John Galsworthy several times. It is interesting mostly as a portrait of Mr Hueffer himself. I have my own strong conception of J.G. I can't say I've been greatly edified. Looked upon abstractedly the thing is distinctly good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'In many respects and from an absolute point of judgement - the book ["An English Girl"] is simply magnificent.' Hence follows a page of almost unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' I have had the new edition of Sta. Teresa sent down for a leisurely re-reading. It seems no end of years since I read first this wonderful book--the revelation for the profane of a unique saint and a unique writer.Tempi passati!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The first instalment of your story in the PMM ["Pall Mall Magazine"] opens the year brilliantly. How good you are in presenting the human interest of a story in terms of jesting.'
Hence follow about eight lines of praise and encouragement.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The new edition of the "Island Ph[arisee]" arrived during the crisis of horrors [severe gout and the debilitating effects of the then new colchicine treatment] and I tackled the preface with as much mind as I had then. It is thoroughly good I think.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'And of all the men who write today it is only Hueffer who writes for love[...]. I took up the "H[eart]of [the]C[ountry]" which was lying there and opening it at hazard I showed sentences here and there asking whether they could have been written from any other conceivable motive.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Write your fiction in the tone of this very excellent article if you like. Place it in S. Italy if that will help.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Thanks ever so much for the book. One would want a long and warm talk about it.To set down the several trains of thought suggested by your pages would take many pieces of papers like this. I must resist the temptation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the book. You know what I think of it in so far as I have been able to express it. I did not do it very well. There is a singular fascination about this last volume of the trilogy. I've been dropping into it ever since it came and I am as far as ever from discovering a particularly precise formula of my admiration.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'The book arrived by the first post.[...] [it] might be described as an appalling indictment of the middle classes--[...] But in the introspective silence that came over me after I closed the volume and sat through a solitary afternoon I felt that this may be the Conscience of the Age overheard by John Galsworthy in its uneasy whisperings [...].'
Hence follow 18 lines of appreciative comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Send me Lane's exact address and I will forward him the MS of "[The Holy] Mountain". I've just finished re-reading the whole. My impression--which you know of--is generally strengthened. The book stands looking into very well, very well indeed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'In H. James " Little Tour of France" (which I will send to Ada [Galsworthy] to take west with her for leisurely reading) there occurs a simple sentence which came forcibly to my mind. He had been looking at some picture in a provincial gallery--and he says: All this is painted in a manner to bring tears into one's eyes. I don't quote literally--(the book is downstairs where it is dark and I feel too fagged out doing nothing to move from my chair)--but that's just it! It [Galsworthy's MS] brings tears into one's eyes literally by the way its done. After finishing my reading I sat perfectly still I don't know for how long as a pilgrim may sit after a long and breathless ascent, on a commanding summit in view of the promised land.'
Hence follow 23 lines of praise for the MS.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'In H. James " Little Tour of France" (which I will send to Ada [Galsworthy] to take west with her for leisurely reading) there occurs a simple sentence which came forcibly to my mind. He had been looking at some picture in a provincial gallery--and he says: All this is painted in a manner to bring tears into one's eyes. I don't quote literally--(the book is downstairs where it is dark and I feel too fagged out doing nothing to move from my chair)--but that's just it!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' I have just finished the book ["Mr. Apollo"] which reached me this morning [...].It comes off magnificently.'
Hence follow 14 lines of almost unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: BookManuscript: proofs
'I am keeping the "Jeanne d'Arc" until you return to town, unless you want me to send it out west to you. Upon the whole I think it is disappointing. One asks oneself why on earth A[natole]F[rance] wanted to touch that subject at all, and if he had to touch why in that way precisely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From one point of view I've nothing but admiration for the ending of "Shadows" ["Fraternity"].Its naturalness is appalling. Of course it can be attacked but its quality comes out in the fact that the objections fade away as soon as one tries to formulate them to oneself. I will not touch on the [a]ethestic value of these last pages.That cannot be questioned.'
Hence follow four pages of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'[...] the gratuitous atrocity of, say, "Ivan Illyitch"[sic] or the monstrous stupidity of such a thing as "The Kreutzer Sonata" for instance; where an obvious degenerate not worth looking at twice, totally unfitted not only for married life but for any sort of life is presented as a sympathetic victim of some sort of sacred truth that is supposed to live within him.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'But "La leçon bien apprise" is really quite....And what is wrong with "Les Etrennes de Mlle. Doucine"? I don't like it most, but I think it most suitable owing to its humorous and sentimental characteristics. I recommend it strongly as perfectly fit for general reading and even seasonable [for the December issue of the "Review"]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'There are books one seems to have read before, and books one doesn't want to read, books that one reads with annoyance, pleasure, exasperation or wonder; but this, your "P[oor]M[an's] H[ouse" is a book for which one seems to have waited all the time [...]. I am not a critic. [...]. I will tell you instead what has happened. I walked into my room, came up to the table you know, took up your book and opened it at the first page of the text (not of the preface). When I came to myself with a queer sense of unutterable fatigue I was still standing and I had reached page 62--not glancing through mind you, but giving each phrase, each word, each image its full value as I went.'
Hence follow 16 lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have tasted, sipped, and consumed the delectable nectar prepared surely with the milk of human kindness and spiced with your wit. [...]; This is delightful [...].'
Hence follow 15 more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[...]the 2 vols of my uncle's memoirs which I have by me, to refresh my recollections and settle my ideas.' [while Conrad was starting to write his own memoirs].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have the complete text of "The Isle" in my possession.[...]. The short passage [on Giovanni de Procida, 13th century Sicilian doctor and instigator of the Sicilian Vespers massacre] interested us very much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'Does the A[natole] F[rance] next book consist of the proofs you've let me see? And what on earth is one to write about it?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, Proofs
'The India book is most interesting. Nevinson is a dear. What is happening now there only shows that nations as well as men may find themselves in a bitterly false position.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Both Jessie and I are very much struck with "[A] Fisher of Men".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'They have arrived--the 6 of them; I have felt them all in turn and all at one time as it were, and to celebrate the event I have given myself a holiday for the morning, not to read any of them --I could not settle to that, but to commune with them all, and gloat over the promise of the prefaces. But of these last I have read one already, the preface to "The American",the first of your long novels I ever read--in '91.[...] I could not resist the temptation of reading the beautiful and touching last ten pages of the story. There is in them a perfection of tone which calmed me; and I sat for a long time with the closed volume in my hand going over the preface in my mind and thinking--that's how it began,that's how it was done!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'They have arrived--the 6 of them; I have felt them all in turn and all at one time as it were, and to celebrate the event I have given myself a holiday for the morning,not to read any of them --I could not settle to that, but to commune with them all, and gloat over the promise of the prefaces. But of these last I have read one already, the preface to "The American",the first of your long novels I ever read--in '91.[...] I could not resist the temptation of reading the beautiful and touching last ten pages of the story. There is in them a perfection of tone which calmed me; and I sat for a long time with the closed volume in my hand going over the preface in my mind and thinking--that's how it began,that's how it was done!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'A fine book dearest boy! I've read it several times. There's a breadth, an ease in it which gives one a quite new view of John Galsworthy.The humanity of it is infinitely deeper than "[A] Man of Property" or the "C[ountry]H[ouse]". Mr. Stone is an amazing creation, a memorable figure--and the whole a great performance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'All the same I've read your two short stories. Very good both. Very good indeed. But I am not going to think out a string of complimentary phrases for you. You are a big boy and know what "very good" means.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
His [Norman Douglas's] intention is to offer his MS [" Siren Land"] to Mr Methuen. It is jolly good--a distinguished and interesting pice of work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'So I will only tell you that the 1st instalment of the novel ["The Holy Mountain"] is brilliantly effective.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I am extremely gratified by the arrival of your book of Supermen. [...] your pages can give nothing but pleasure to a man who loves "la littérature critique" (not literary criticism). According to my habit when a fascinating book comes in my way (a sort of angel's visit) I've read it at once, wilfully and of malice prepense, neglecting my daily task to entertain the rare visitor.' Hence follow eight lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the play ["The Feud"] which reached me today and as you may imagine was read at once.' Hence follow a page of praise, including a comparison with the middle period plays of Ibsen, and some rather subjective criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'I wrote yesterday to P[erceval] G[ibbon] about his "Afrikander Memories". I didn't quite tell him how good they are for fear he should think I was gushing. But really, in that short production, look at the poetic vision, the existence of simple language, the breadth and force of the effects.' Hence follow 15 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I like immensely your verse in the last E[nglish R[eview]. The second piece for choice but as a matter of fact I like best the one I am reading at the time.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Its really good of you to have sent "Faith". Your magic never grows less; each of your prefaces is a gem and my enthusiasm is roused always to the highest pitch by your amazing prose. I have already read (the book arrived but two hours ago) "The Idealist" and "The Saint". Admirable in conception and feeling are these two sketches.[...] This afternoon I shall sit down with the book and forget my miseries in the delight of your art so strong and human.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This ["The Eldest Son"] is extremely fine [...]. At the end of each act I got up and walked for a while in a sort of exultation over the sheer art of the thing.' After approximately 25 lines of praise and constructive criticism, Conrad adds '[...]I am writing after a second reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'You know Marris--the man of the East who wrote the letter I read to you? Well he is going back to his Malay princess wife and his kid, right away. I have asked him to come on Monday here for the day.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
'I am [...] reading and dipping into and re-dipping into your blue volume ["The Holy Mountain"]. Fact is I've just banged it down this minute--and I shan't look at it now for some weeks.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your paper on the drama has pleased me so much in the form and has appealed strongly to my convictions which it clarifies and expresses.I read it the evening you left [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'At one time I knew entire pages of "Madame Bovary" by heart. But if "Madame Bovary" is a masterpiece "Salammbô" is close to a miracle. I well remember that when I was writing "[The]N[igger]of [the] N[arcissus]", "Salammbô" was my morning book.While taking coffee I would read a page or two at random--and there is hardly a page that isn't marvellous.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At one time I knew entire pages of "Madame Bovary" by heart. But if "Madame Bovary" is a masterpiece "Salammbô" is close to a miracle. I well remember that when I was writing "[The]N[igger]of [the] N[arcissus]", "Salammbô" was my morning book.While taking coffee I would read a page or two at random--and there is hardly a page that isn't marvellous.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I received the volume ["A Motley"] the day before yesterday and laid it aside till this afternoon.'
Hence follow one and a half pages of almost unqualified praise for the short stories and sketches in this collection, apart from Conrad's rejection of one piece, "A Reversion To Type".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I sent about a fortnight ago, three of your papers to Austin Harrison [...] the present editor of the E[nglish] R[eview]. [...] The "[The]Headland of Minerva" and the "Caves of [the]S[iren Land]" I just cut in half. The "Upland[s] of Sorrento" I sent whole. I did this to give your prose a better chance for they are everlastingly cramped for room in that Review. Of course I didn't touch the text.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'In the same No. [of Harper's Magazine] Nevinson has a story-- and Lord it is bad. The whole No. is so inept that I feel sick to see myself there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Your gift is none the less welcome because I read your book a few weeks ago. E[dward] Garnett, Duckworth's literary advisor sent it to me shortly after publication.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I didn't dare to look at your book ["The Scar"] till I finished a rather long thing which I was writing.[...] I have not been disappointed.There is power to begin with, and a great charm of style, a soberness of presentation which appeals to me extremely, [...] for as you can imagine I am not writing this after one reading only.'
Hence follow nine lines of further praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Without any doubt Jean [Gachet de la Fournière] has talent.[...] I wrote my immediate impression right after reading the manuscript.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I must thank you for the "B[lack]wood" where your "Puffin" was really interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'All these sketches have the quality without which neither beauty, nor I am afraid, truth, are effective, that is they are interesting in themselves. I've spent all yesterday with your pages [...].' Hence follow almost two pages of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I have read the story. It's marvellous in a way but we must talk it over.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I wouldn't throw a doubt on his [Edward Garnett's] judgement but I understand he has been lately crying up [through his review in "The Nation" ] two books of which one (a sea book) is the most suburban thing (I mean spiritually) I've ever read. The other is a South American novel both portly and strangely disorderly--if I may express it so. But I had better say nothing more since I have written once a sea book and also a portly S.American novel.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have an idea dear Jack that any comment on your work can be nothing by now but ( in the words of the Pole in "[A] Lear of the Steppes"), "perfectly superfluous chatter". '
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I send back "The Windlestraw" by return of post. In this sort of apologue you are simply incomparable.' Hence follows a page of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'The other day I took up "Yvette". How well she [Ada Galsworthy] has done it all!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was ever so good of you to have sent me the Hogarth little book. I knew practically nothing of the man and I was glad to learn.' Hence follow 13 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Now I have looked [at the verses] I have to thank you for the kind thought of sending me the little volume and for the pleasure it has given me.' Hence follow eight lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The appeal to my literary opinion was not fair. Suppose I had been in one of my cantankerous hours when the book came. But I daresay you were confident. And with reason. No native or acquired cantankerousness could resist the charm of style, the delicate simplicity of expression [...].'
Hence follow four more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' This is really great, great in every dimension. [...] I have read the book ["The New Machiavelli"] yesterday and this evening I re-read it from pp.290-504. I don't know what a "masterpiece" may be --but I know what masterwork is when I see it. And this is it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Phew! This [ "The Trial of Jeanne d'Arc" ] is fine. Just one word as the curtain falls for the last time.[...]. I'll with your leave keep the MS for 3 days before I read it again. I wanted to give the very freshest first impression just now, but won't say more at present.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'The book ["Siren Land"]'s certain to be well noticed -- maybe attacked too; but that's no harm. I've been delighted. There are mighty fine things there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Of course it ["The Patrician"] isn't pure aesthetics (only Flaubert's "Salammbo" among novels is that) but even on that ground alone you have done a very fine thing.' Hence follow over a page of only slightly qualified praise for this work.
'I haven't told you half of what I thought about the book. While writing [the first time] I felt still a little "in the air" about it -- but after a second reading I felt so no longer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'No end of thanks for the little vol: so charming inside and outside--in its slender body containing a gently melodious soul. I see quite a new aspect of you in these few delightful pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the little book ["Light and Twilight"] so full of good things. You know I have a prediliction for your prose with its quiet,flowing felicity of phrase and what I call "penetrative" power of expression.' Hence follow 11 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks very much for the books. You are indeed very good to me. Hudson's volume is fine, very fine, infinitely loveable, and as one reads on, one feels one's affection increase at every page.' Hence follow 8 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'"François" is quite good. Very genuine touches all along and quite telling bits here and there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What I set out to say was that all these delays, vexing as they were, gave me the time to read "The Downfall of the Gods" three times from end to end. As to pages and psasages read and re-read and meditated over I can 't give you that tale of them even approximately'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have the read the two July articles just before that period [of depression or at least writer's block] began. Evidently my dearest boy it is your synthesis, of course sketched in merely.' Hence follow three more lines of approval.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
'Thank you for the fine present.[...] While reading delightedly this little work which shines with so soft a brightness, I have for a moment been able to forget the passage of time.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have read the MS. I have read it twice.' Hence follow 20 lines of quite strong but constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: typescript (see additional information
'Thank you for the book. So judicious, so interesting, so touching--why shouldn't I say so when I have been touched?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The book has arrived too. It was very kind of you to think of sending it to me. As everything that Professor [William] James ever wrote it's most suggestive and interesting and morally valuable.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The volume is very emphatically all right. In many respects better than I expected.' Hence follows a page of strong but constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I hadn't turned over the 3rd page when I let out a whistle of respectful admiration.'
Hence follows a page of praise with one minor reservation.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'Very many thanks for your kind and friendly notion of sending me "The Brothers Karamazov". I am quite simply astonsihed to see how you and your collaborator have succeeded in tearing out so to speak the very heart of that stout book, laying it bare in 5 acts.[...] It is admirably well done.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'I admit, then, that I read and admired "The Immoralist" all of two years ago. Davray gave it to me. I have not said anything but someone has filched my copy; and I wanted to get the book from you. As to the volume of criticism, all I can tell you is that I am so much in accord with the sentiment of this book that the sympathy--permit me to say affection-- that I felt for you from the first moment is infinitely increased.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I admit, then, that I read and admired "The Immoralist" all of two years ago. Davray gave it to me. I have not said anything but someone has filched my copy; and I wanted to get the book from you. As to the volume of criticism, all I can tell you is that I am so much in accord with the sentiment of this book that the sympathy--permit me to say affection-- that I felt for you from the first moment is infinitely increased.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I believe it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels. It is very likely. My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I believe it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I believe it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquaintance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquaintance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You have given me a very invidious task.[...]. Well I have read all your copy. And the result of all my extreme fastidiousness is enclosed in the envelope. But my dear who am I to pick and choose in the stuff of a a man who can write, always has something to say and never fails on one side or the other to secure my sympathy.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I won't say anything of "The Pigeon"-- except that it reads admirably and that I have been fascinated by the theme and the handling of the personages.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'And now more thanks for the book [" Le Nègre aux Etats-Unis"]. You have a most attractive French style--and very French it is too and yet with something individual-- and even racial--glowing through it and adding to the fascination of the perfectly simple diction.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[...] the volume ["Charity"] which on my first visit to London in many months I carried off home. From the first word of the wonderful preface to the last short sketch of the Pampa as it was, it has been one huge delight. Of course some of these stories--gems--I've read (The incomparable "Aurora" is a long time ago first) but the cumulative effect is magnificent in its pictorial force and emotional power.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am delighted and honoured by your gift of an inscribed copy [presumably of "Voices of Tomorrow" but see additional comment]. It is with great pleasure that I discover in myself an intellectual (or perhaps instinctive) sympathy for what you say in your book with such force, clearness and conviction. In the article on myself what I see first is the generosity of your appreciation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical, see additional comment
'I do hope you are not too disgusted with me for not thanking you for the "[The Brothers] Karamazov" before. It was very dear of you to remember me; and of course I was extremely interested. But it's an impossible lump of valuable matter. It's terrifically bad and impressive and exasperating. Moreover I don't know what D[ostoevsky] stands for or reveals, but I do know he is too Russian for me. It sounds to me like some fierce mouthings from prehistoric ages. I uderstand that the Russians have just 'discovered' him. I wish them joy. Of course your wife's translation is wonderful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the houseflags little book. I have marked in it all the ships I used to know--a good many of them.[...]. After you went away I re-read your Fog on the River paper. In the E.[nglish] R.[eview]. Jolly well done and rightly felt and artistically expressed. '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the houseflags little book. I have marked in it all the ships I used to know--a good many of them.[...]. After you went away I re-read your Fog on the River paper. In the E.[nglish] R.[eview]. Jolly well done and rightly felt and artistically expressed. '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'This ["Fountains in the Sand"] is first rate. I have seldom read prose d'une si belle tonalité.' Hence follow 23 lines of praise and constructive commentary.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
'It's ["The Inn of Tranquillity"] wholly excellent and certainly fascinating.[...] Of course I had read many of the papers before.' Hence follow ten lines of praise for this collection of stories.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'In the meantime I thank you heartily for your more than in one way very interesting vol.["Shadows out of the Crowd"]. We shall have a talk about it when you come, with the corpus delicti there before us to refer to.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From that far distant day [in 1903] when (you remember?) you sent me "Leonora" it's great fundamental quality of absolutely genuine expression has been with me an unshakable conviction. I often look through the book noting on the pages those gifts which have found now their fullest expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After finishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After fnishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After finishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The novel --Good! Très fort!! As Pinker could not have done much with it before Easter I held it up here for a second reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Forgive me for the delay in thanking you for the volume you were so kind to as to send me. How well done, well conceived, well said! Your "Ariane" is easily the most charming morality given to me to read in this vale of tears and grimaces where I have wandered for nearly 53 years. In the sequel to "Robinson Crusoe" the most delightful thing is to see how you have succeeded in capturing the charm of this good animal that only ever walked on four legs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was a joy to have your book ["Hors du Foyer"]. A thousand thanks. I have just finished reading it and, and I am charmed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I had read some of your Philipino [sic] stories--and was looking for more of your work. I spotted it first in the old MacClure Mag.; certainly without any help from anyone.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I didn't write to thank you for the delightful volume ["The Pathos of Distance: A Book of a Thousand and One Moments"] as I hoped [...] to have the pleasure of seeing you here for a day.[...]. Je goute infiniment tout ce que vous écrivez. Apart from the temperamental sympathy I feel for your work the lightness of your surface touch playing over the deeper meaning of your criticism is very fascinating.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Just a word to tell you I have finished your Mother's book ["A Confederate Girl's Diary"]. Admirable.' Hence follow 14 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Proofs (see letter and fn.3 p.243 of source text)
'I am sending today the "Grand Elixir" to London.[...] That the story is clever, that the writing is in many respects admirable there can be no doubt.' Hence follow 12 lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'It is dificult to express the joy I felt at the arrival of the "Complete Works of M. Barnabooth".[...].The first reading of the "Journal Intime" makes an unforgettable impression.' Hence follow 16 lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks. I've just read the first chapter at once to take possession and have laid the book ["The Problems of Philosophy"] aside till Monday -- when the short story will be off my hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am glad I read the little book ["The Problems of Philosophy"] before coming to your essays ["Philosophical Essays"]. If in reading the first I felt moving step by step, with delight, on the firmest ground, the other gave me the sense of an enlarged vision in the clearest, the purest atmosphere.' Hence follow another 10 lines of praise and gratitude.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your good letter arrived yesterday--a great pleasure and a source of serious misgivings. I have had your latest volume and surely I acknowledged it! [...] You mean "Monochromes" don't you? Well I have that volume of which I wrote to you that it delighted me [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Infinite thanks for the most precious and admirable volume [Knave of Hearts] [...] meanwhile I am as ever yours with admiration of the poet and affection for the man...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am proud to learn that there is one [a phrase in "Lord Jim"] worthy to serve as an epigraph to one of the books of "Les Caves du Vatican". What a beautiful start! What things you have put in the so characteristic and interesting pages of this fine beginning!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: see additional information
'That's why [an attack of gout] I did not write to thank you for your book ["A Hatchment"] (and the Ranee's) ["My Life in Sarawak"] as soon as I ought to have done. Upon my word it's a marvellous volume [...]. The Ranee's book is delightfully ladylike but her sentiment for the land and the people is so obviously genuine that all her sins of omission shall be forgiven her.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'That's why [an attack of gout] I did not write to thank you for your book ["A Hatchment"] (and the Ranee's) ["My Life in Sarawak"] as soon as I ought to have done. Upon my word it's a marvellous volume [...]. The Ranee's book is delightfully ladylike but her sentiment for the land and the people is so obviously genuine that all her sins of omission shall be forgiven her.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the copy of the "E.[English] R.[Review]". You won't mind me saying that your article on international politics is first rate. It has the quality of naked truth excellently and skilfully stated--a combination rare these days.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thanks too for the Chinese books. I have already looked at the introduction and certain sections of the "Lute [of Jade]". Very fine. Extraordinary subtle feeling I'll write more about them after getting the full taste.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You don't mind if I suggest that you should take a glance at Curle's short stories "Life is a Dream"-- not all in the vol. but three of them. Read first "Blanca Palillos", then the "Remittance Man" and finish with the one called "A Memory". Each in its way has a distinct value [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'You have succeeded so well in effacing your personality in that little book ["Tolstoy: A Study"] ( and very interesting it is too) that but for an occasional turn of phrase I--even I! can't see you there at all.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'If we had telephonic communication I would call you up and hear me thump my chest and cry mea culpa for not having written to him [Ford Madox Ford] about the [Henry] James book for which the precise word is: delightful.'
Hence follow 6 lines of praise for Ford's new book.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
''We are so glad to know you are both flourishing. We know of your Sicilian interlude from your letter to the "Times".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'I keep the two books a little longer. "Shakespeare" is good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Today I saw a good review of your book ["Bernal Diaz del Castillo"] in the D[ai]ly Chr[onicle]: by some woman. I am going to get the vol. forthwith.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'Thanks for the book ["The Little Man"]. "Abracadabra" is immense. Indeed every page is as full as it can be right through the book.'
Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'These things [proofs of "The Little Man"] are much too exquisite and poignant to be really satire even if you prefer to call them by that name.'
Hence follow twelve lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: galley proofs
'Thanks very much for the book and the "Spectator" page.[...] These are all delightful pieces. You must autograph the book for me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks very much for the book and the "Spectator" page.[...] These are all delightful pieces. You must autograph the book for me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Infinite thanks for the honour [dedication] and for the book ["The House of Many Mirrors"]. The copy having reached me two days ago I delayed writing till I had read those pages you have been so good to dedicate to me.'
Hence follow ten lines of praise written in a mixture of French and English.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It is a most delightful lecture and most judiciously illustrated, if a mind so uncultivated as mine dares express an opinion.'
Hence follows a page of appreciative comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Your father's book is wonderful. I read the articles of course at the time; but now collected, in the mass, they astonish one by their marvellous insight into the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It ["The Freelands"] is a most beautifully done thing. [...]. I kept your book for a propitious day and finished it about midnight. Then I put out the light opened the window and listened to the noise of the Zep passing nearly overhead.[...] That was the night of the second raid on London.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the book which is excellent and super excellent; even to the point of making me uneasy lest its true and vibrating notes be lost in the beating of the pans and (more or less) savage yowling of the market place.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' I've just finished "B[ernal] Diaz". The terminal pages of the preface are just lovely with their irresistable reference to the tempi passati. As to the book itself no personal friend of the old Conquistador could have put it together with greater skill and more tender care.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was writing something so I refrained from looking at "The Good Soldier" (according to my time-honoured practice) till I got a few pages out of the way.'
Hence follow six lines of praise for the novel.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I will talk to you at length about the stories when you are well enough to come down here for the weekend.[...]. The value of these tales relies in the "nuances" of colour of half light and in [an] almost evanescent tremor of emotions.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'The " [Ivory] Apes and Peacocks" book is good and immensely characteristic of our extremely "alive" friend.'
Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was delighted with Miss Glasgow's novel ["Life and Gabriella: The Story of a Woman's Courage"]; the insight, the mastery of her craft, the interest and charm of the narrative-- all this is of the very first order.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'His [Henry James] autobiographical two books are admirable; but what makes them so wonderful are the very same qualities that make his novels admirable.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'His [Henry James] autobiographical two books are admirable; but what makes them so wonderful are the very same qualities that make his novels admirable.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I read "[The] Advertisement" yesterday only--thrice over. très fort.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Ever so many thanks for the honour of the dedication; and for the copy [of "Figures of Several Centuries"] which reached me yesterday. I sat up with it of course. There are marvellous pages there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I see the "Obs[erv]er" every Sunday and I am waiting the next number with impatience.' [For a review by Sidney Colvin of "The Shadow-Line"]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'Of course like everybody else I was a reader of the "Singapore Free Press" which was the [underlined] paper of the East as between Rangoon and Shanghai.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'I'll show you where I got the hint for it [his story "The Warriors' Soul"] in Philippe de Ségur. There's a hint for another in him but I fancy too macabre (and improper) to use.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The story you sent me (I'm glad to have it) I remembered of course very well. It isn't the sort of thing that is ever forgotten.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'The truth of the matter is that it is you who have opened my eyes to the value and quality of Turgeniev. As a boy I remember reading "Smoke" in a Polish translation (a feuilleton of some newspaper) and the "Gentlefolks" in French.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: newspaper supplement/magazine ('feuilleton')
'The truth of the matter is that it is you who have opened my eyes to the value and quality of Turgeniev. As a boy I remember reading "Smoke" in a Polish translation (a feuilleton of some newspaper) and the "Gentlefolks" in French.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have been reading through your plays again. You are "très fait" as the French say. Tell me, had E[den] P[hillpotts] much to do with the "Angel"? It seems to me to be pure Hastings.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: probably an acting edition
'Thanks for your pamphlet, to which I responded with every feeling and conviction that go to make up my "less perishable" being. And how beautifully all those deeply felt truths are said!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Pray, when you see [Wilson] Follett, give him a warm greeting from me. His little book is one of these things one does not forget. I saw some time ago a study of Galsworthy by him (and a lady who must be either his wife or his sister) which within the limits if a magazine article was simply admirable for insight and expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I only secured lately not so much the leisure as the proper freedom of mind, to read through and get on terms with your novel.[...] The book is captivatng enough in all conscience as a piece of writng and of course as a story too.'
[Hence follow 9 lines of comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This ["Beyond"] is a gripping piece of writing. I got as far as p.47 before it dawned on me that these were marvellous opening pages. The others are not less so. My dearest Jack they are sheer delight to read [...].'
[Hence follow 25 lines of unqualified praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'PS I've seen your most charming article on the French in the "Fortnightly [Review]". '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thank you very much for sending me your contribution towards the solution of the great problem [Polish independence].[...] Your arguments and your conclusions seem to me absolutely incontrovertible.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comment, identity of text uncertain
'The first 60 pages [of "Summer"] might well have been written with one of those quill feathers one finds lying on a quiet field on a hot brooding summer day.' [Hence follow two paragraphs of appreciative comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your opening pages [of "Turgenev: A Study"] are excellent , excellent! I was much delighted with your masterly thrusts to all that thick headed crowd. As to the rest of the book you know that I do know it well.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This morning on opening my eyes I saw the noble vol [on Keats] delicately deposited by my side, while I slept, by Jessie's instructions (I live en vieux garçon, in the spare room now); and now after reading the preface and looking at the illustrations I sit down in robe-de-chambre and pantoufles to thank you for the copy, for the inscription [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'This morning [Reginald Perceval] Gibbon's correspondence [on the aftermath of the battle of Caporetto] in the "D[aily]C[hronicle]" was very reserved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'There was a study of you [André Gide] in the "Times". Have you seen it? It is intelligent up to a point and respectful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thank you very much for the books. Monahan I like. E[zra] P[ound] is certainly a poet but I am afraid I am too old and too wooden-headed to appreciate him as perhaps he deserves.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
'Thank you very much for the books. Monahan I like. E[zra] P[ound] is certainly a poet but I am afraid I am too old and too wooden-headed to appreciate him as perhaps he deserves.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Yes. I've seen "Contact's" [Alan Bott's] work. It is very good . But he's not the only one.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am of course with you entirely both as to the matter and the expression of the Agricultural pamphlet. Thanks very much for sending me the copy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'"The Green Mirror" reached me alright.[...] I didn't write to you about it as I expected almost every day to have you here for a talk about that and other things.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'My warmest thanks for the inscribed copy which arrived yesterday. The first time I read the book was in 1908, the last was in '12 or early '13 when the copy disappeared [...] Directly the little friendly looking vol. was put into my hands yesterday afternoon I read [...] the intro. and the first 15 pages where there are passages for which I have a special affection [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I return to you the type and the proof which you have sent me. The "English Review" thing is wonderfully done, [...]. The Edward Grey in Paris article is very cleverly done. It is mordant, it is witty.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: proof
'I return to you the type and the proof which you have sent me. The "English Review" thing is wonderfully done, [...]. The Edward Grey in Paris article is very cleverly done. It is mordant, it is witty.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: typescript
'You say [in Walpole's critical study "Joseph Conrad"(1916)] that I have been under the formative influence of "Madame Bovary". In fact I have read it only after finishing "A.[Almayer's] F.[Folly]" as I did all the other works of Flaubert; and anyway my Flaubert is the Flaubert of "St. Antoine" and "Ed[ucation] Sent[imentale]" and that only from the point of view of rendering of concrete things and visual impressions.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the book. I read the sketch of De la R[ochefoucauld] psychology with great delight.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I started reading my inscribed copy [of "Mr Perrin and Mr Traill"] straight away. How well (and freshly) all this is done!' [Hence follow four more lines of appreciative comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I will confess at once that I have read the book ["The Reconnaissance"] once only, and that of course is not enough;[...].The subject in itself is certainly a very difficult one because of its deep nature and its necessarily superficial aspects.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Your R.A.F. paper is very good [...].'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'As to "The Hist[ory] of the British Army" it is "tout bonnement admirable!". No other phrase can do justice to it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'That vol[ume]["Colour Studies in Paris"] is full of charm and contains many pages of rare distinction and luminous like pearls[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks very much for your sympathetic book. It is vividly interesting (I am on p.70) and am flattered to think that its writer, who knows so much of human affairs, thinks so well of my work. I trust we may meet [...] on your return from Damascus next year.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I ought to have thanked you before, for the very curious pamphlet containing Swinburne's sweet little joke. I enjoyed both the verse and the prose (especially the prose) immensely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Thank you for your green book which I have read with the greatest of interest.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I didn't thank you for the book ["Papa's War and Other Satires" ] by letter because I knew I was coming to town at once. You know my opinion of all the pieces composing it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I write to thank you for the book [...]. I have already seen most of the papers composing your new vol. ["Old Junk"] and I have appreciated their graphic power, personal point of view and felicity of expression. I glanced in here and there with renewed pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the inscribed copy. [...]. On the 28th May I finished correcting the last pages of "Rescue" [...]. The same evening I picked up "Sri Ram" as I limped to bed, and went on reading it through the still, very still, hours of night to the end, marvelling and musing over the pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I ought to have thanked you before for the book ["Siri Ram"] which I read directly it reached my hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Ever so many thanks for copy of "[The] Sepoy". Everything you write is a matter of most sympathetic interest to me; and in the case of this book I must say I enjoyed thoroughly in every way, in the facts, in the presentation and in the spirit of the writing itself.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The whole household went to bed early [...] then with a mind refreshed and made receptive [...] I sat down to read your two articles — and it was a delightful (c'est le mot juste) experience.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'The justness of all these things said in "Another Sheaf" is what strikes one most.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I return here the first volume with many thanks. It is very curious reading, but somehow one cannot take it very seriously.'
[Hence follow thirteen lines of mainly negative comments.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I fully share your admiration for Bradshaw tho' I think he goes too much into detail so that all sense of reality is lost and the book produces the effect of being a mere fairy-tale. It's imposible to believe that all this takes place every day! The more popular and picturesque treatment of the same subject in the "A.B.C." carries more conviction to my frivolous mind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I fully share your admiration for Bradshaw tho' I think he goes too much into detail so that all sense of reality is lost and the book produces the effect of being a mere fairy-tale. It's impossible to believe that all this takes place every day! The more popular and picturesque treatment of the same subject in the "A.B.C." carries more conviction to my frivolous mind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'This is a very interesting journal and I read it with a particular pleasure derived both from the matter and from the expression of the writer's personality.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I have read (before breakfast) your "Gambetta" a most excellent thing both as picture and appreciation of the man.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Let me thank you for the Swinburne bibliography which I've read with the greatest interest.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the beginning I must say that I have not read the tales ["Tales of a Cruel Country"] through as yet'.
[Conrad then makes several comments indicating that he has at least read some of them.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am just fresh from the second reading of your vol ["Brought Forward"]'.
Hence follow twelve lines of admiring comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was laid up directly on arriving here, and this is the explanation of the delay in thanking you for the precious copy of the book. Pray convey to your brother my great appreciation of his signature on the fly leaf.'
[Hence follow four lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I know the work of Paul Adam very little and all I have in the house is his "Lettres de Malaisie".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thank you for the "Saint-Simon", which to my great joy arrived this morning. I finished the play the day before yesterday. Tonight I finish revising. Tomorrow I plunge into "Saint-Simon".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Just a line to thank you for the book. As I turn the pages my consideration for you grows to the proportions of respect. There is a beauty of easy moving prose - charm of phrase — felicity of words which give the strongest possible impression of mastery of language [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Ever so many thanks too for the "Life and Miracles" which I have just read for the second time.There is no one but you to render so poignantly the pathetic and desperate effects of human credulity. It is a marvellous piece of sustained narrative and of intensely personal prose.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I finished your MS yesterday and am very much impressed by the ampleness of the scheme, the masterly ease in the handling [of] the subject and (in sober truth) the sheer beauty of these pages.[...]
I keep the MS for Jessie to read. In the Nursing Home she could only read "Tatterdemalion" which I have not yet seen. I didn't want to take it away from her for even an evening as she seemed unable to tackle any of the other 12 volumes she had in her room.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'Warm thanks for the charming copy of "Wild Oranges" which it was a great pleasure to have in this interesting form. [...] You will be good enough to give my most friendly regards to Hergesheimer whose vital work combining strength of vision with delicate perception and masterly expression arouses my admiration and sympathy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The book ["The Rescue"] which has found favour in your eyes has been inspired in a great measure by the history of the first Rajah's enterprise and even by the lecture [i.e.reading] of his journals as partly reproduced by Captain Mundy and others.[...]. It was a great pleasure to read "My Life in Sarawak" [...] I have looked into that book many times since.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'E. [Edward] Grey's book, of which I have already read a considerable portion, has certainly the charm of a genuine feeling expressed in plain language worthy of a great fisherman.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I do know the Mérimée story you speak of. It is "Tamango". A rather good piece of work. [...] I read it years ago.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Pray forgive me keeping your article on Mérimée so long. I read it as soon as it arrived — and then re-read it yesterday. It is one of the best pieces by you I've read, though your work never fails to delight.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'This is only to tell you that I have read the book.'
[Hence follow six lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks indeed for your good letter and for the little book ["La Symphonie Pastorale"] whose precious pages I will cut tonight "in the silence of my study" in a peaceful house where everyone has gone to bed.[...] For me that is the moment for friends' books.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thank you very much for Mr Holliday's book, which has certainly got a lot of good things in it and which I enjoyed greatly.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks ever so much for the admirable book of portraits. Every one is a revelation-especially of course those of the people one knows, if ever so little.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What to me [...] seems most wonderful in the "Cartagena" book is its inextinguishable vitality, the unchanged strength of feeling, steadfastness of sympathies and force of expresssion. I turned the pages with unfailing delight [...].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Yesterday I read the first inst[alment] of "To Let" in a spirit of philistinish curiosity.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Rudo [R.H.Sauter] shows much charm in "Awakening", which harmonised with the charm of the text in a fascinating way.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thank you very much for sending me the text [of John Galsworthy's play "The Family Man"] which I have looked over with considerable interest. There are several rather considerable typing mistakes in that copy [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'Thank you for sending me the comedy. I found it [...] interesting and greatly entertaining, which however did not prevent me from taking your work quite seriously.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'I must begin by thanking you for the little book of satirical pieces ["Groteski"] which I read with great enjoyment and in that sympathetic mood which your work arouses in me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'A few days ago in fact I re-read "Les Caves du Vatican", with the same interest but with an admiration that grows on each new reading. The infinity of things you put into that book, where the hand is so light and the thought so deep, is truly marvellous.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Let me thank you warmly for the two magnificent and interesting vol[ume]s about the South-Sea Isles which you have been good enough to send me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Let me thank you warmly for the two magnificent and interesting vol[ume]s about the South-Sea Isles which you have been good enough to send me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have just read through the Zeromski novel you mean: "History of a Sin". I don't think it will do for translation. The international murderess episodes take but a little space after all. The whole thing is disagreeable and often incomprehensible in comment and psychology. Often it is gratuitously ferocious. You now I am not squeamish. The other work the great historical machine is called "Ashes" (Popioly). Both of course have a certain greatness.[...] [but] both take too much for granted in the way of receptivity and tolerance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have just read through the Zeromski novel you mean: "History of a Sin". I don't think it will do for translation. The international murderess episodes take but a little space after all. The whole thing is disagreeable and often incomprehensible in comment and psychology. Often it is gratuitously ferocious. You now I am not squeamish. The other work the great hstorical machine is called "Ashes" (Popioly). Both of course have a certain greatness.[...] [but] both take too much for granted in the way of receptivity and tolerance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the charming copy of "The Brassbounder". It is as fresh and attractive as ever to read and I am still under the charm of this sincere and fascinating record of things that have now passed away for ever.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I want to thank you at once for the book you have been good enough to send me.It is of course of the greatest interest and secures my personal sympathy by the kindly attitude of the author towards the people he treats, [i.e. Polish immigrants in U.S.] of and by the poignancy of the action.'
[Hence follows alomost a page of constructive criticism.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The readng of "Memories and Notes" has been one continuous delight. As you know I have been privileged to see some of these papers even in typescript and some in their serial form. But the quality of their interest and freshness is of the kind that does not perish in the reading and re-reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'As for yourself — I have been dwelling with you mentally for several days between the covers of your book [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'And first of all my tender thanks for the copy of the limited edition [...]. The reading of it was an absorbing experience.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Now I have absorbed it I send you my thanks for "The Gift of Paul Clermont". It is a very charming and touching performance which one likes more the deeper one gets into it.'
[Hence follow nine lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the book which has given me the greatest of pleasure. I have always had a great admiration for Sir Alfred [Lyall] whose verse and prose appeal strongly to my mind and feelings.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks my dearest fellow for the Che[k]hov vol. He is too delightful for words. Very great work. Very great. Do tell your wife of my admiration that grows and grows with every page of her translations I read. The renderings in this vol have impressed me extremely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thank you, my dearest for all the books you have presented me with, in particular for Fredro, qui m'a donné un plaisir extrème à lire et à regarder les images.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thank you for the book. Reading it gave me very great pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The book you sent me was a great pleasure to me. Some of the ships I knew personally.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'"Abdication" arrived four of five days ago. How short the book is and how much you have managed to put into it. As you may imagine I read it at once.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I must thank you for the volume which has just arrived.[...]. What I have felt and thought is more suitable for talk, warm and many coloured than for the cold blue tint of the typewriter.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I was very happy to receive "La Musique et les nations" yesterday. I read the Debussy immediately and with the greatest of pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I would have written to you before about my delight in "The Conquest of Granada" if it had not been for the beastly swollen wrist which prevented me from holding the pen.'
[Hence follow eight lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I wonder what you think of my long silence after the receipt of your play ["A Tale of Young Lovers", late May]? I was just fiinishng a novel and putting off looking at the play deliberately. [...] Let me at once congratulate you affectionately on the charm and skill and beauty that is in your work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
'I dictate these few words to thank you most heartily for your letters and especially for your little tale which I have read with absolute delight and appreciation of every point, and greatest sympathy with the mind which conceived it and the literary gift which guided the pen. During the last few weeks I have been finishing a novel and have been too absorbed to write to anyone.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'For the last two days I have been reading "The [Forsythe] Saga" which makes a wonderful volume.[...] How fresh "The Man of Property" reads. For that book I have a special affection. I have not read it for a couple of years, or more...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I read with the greatest of interest your communications to the "Times [Literary Supplement]" in the Dumas-Maquet affair. All this story is quite new to me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
'When your book ["The Problem of China"] arrived we were away for a few days. Perhaps [...] I should have acknowledged the receipt at once. But I preferred to read it before I wrote. Unluckily a very unpleasant affair was sprung on me and absorbed all my thinking energies for a fortnight. I simply did not attempt to open the book till all the worry and flurry was over, and I could give it two clear days.'
[Hence follow three pages of commentary.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I hasten therefore to tell you without a moments delay what did mean to write (or have perhaps written) that the book ["Old Morocco and the Forbidden Atlas"] in its human zest for impressions, in its pervading sympathy for strange mankind, its acuity of observation [...] has given me a very real pleasure [...] You will see that neither the lapse of 2 months [since receiving and reading the book?] nor the fact of re-reading, has altered my original judgement "by first impression".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for D. [David]'s little tale ["Lady into Fox"]. Its the most successful thing of the kind I have ever seen.'
[Hence follow ten lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I consider myself highly privileged by the possession of an inscribed copy of the limited edition of the "Preludes"; and thanking you for the beauty and music therein contained. I am especially grateful for the kind thought which prompted you to send them to me in this form.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Ever so many thanks for the little book of fantasy and charm and sharp irony seasoning the tragic story of poor Loveday, who had no other name.[...] Its a gem in its way.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've lately read nothing but Marcel Proust.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'In the volumes you sent me I was much more interested and fascinated by your rendering than by Proust's creation.'
[Hence follows another page and a half of commentary on the translation and on Proust in general.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'My dear! Thank you for "Pozoga". C'est très très bien. It seizes hold and interests one as much by its subject as by the manner of its writing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for your Laforgue. Your introduction couldn't be more interesting as regards both matter and tone. It is very very well done. Your author's text is odd [curieux]. Its charm is felt through the facts.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have read your delightful and penetrating (I use the word deliberately) "[Mysterious] Japan". I have the book. I was looking into it again only the other day. Pray do send me your "Roosevelt" and don't forget to write your name on the flyleaf.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Will you please give my warm regards to your husband and tell him I have just finished reading the "Rumak" with the greatest possible interest. I think it's simply wonderful in its sustained power and charm of expression.[...] I haven't been able as yet to find time to begin "Pustka.''
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the press cuttings. The accident on board that ship was an extraordinary one.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'I've had the "Fortnightly [Review]" sent to me. I've just finished your "Sainte Beuve". My dear fellow! It's an admirable analytical exposition of the man himself. I've never read anything of this kind that gave me the same sense of penetrating vision coupled with formal perfection.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Best wishes for the book's career begun yesterday—wasn't it?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Your Comédie du Laboratoire is perfect. Très chic — as French painters used to say of their pictures. This formula expresses the highest praise.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, or playscript
'I liked "Engineer" very very much indeed! The idea, the execution, the style.[...] Shall I return the MS to you?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
'I was just about to write to you on the "Dole " articles. They are wonderfully the right thing: matter, tone, attitude, interest.[...] Jessie is lost in admiration.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'I am sorry I put in an, apparently, unlucky form what I had to say about the two pieces of prose you sent me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Thank you very much for your letter and the pamphlet in which I was very much interested.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The vol. of your stories arrived while we were over in Havre [...]. Thanks, my dear fellow its a jolly good handful. Some of them I've seen before in Mags. but not many.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Warmest thanks for the vol and for the inscription. Oh my dear how good how profoundly appealing all this is — this little selection.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am sending back the pamphlet of the rules of the [National] Club. It is very interesting but but it occurs to me, my dear Gardiner [...] I cannot very well belong to the Club by the mere fact that I was born a R[oman] C[atholic]...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Heartfelt thanks for your letter and the pamphlet about Einstein which for me is a small masterpiece of its kind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Thank you for your little book of innermost thoughts.[...] And you have proved your excellent humanity by the manner and matter of your essays.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have been laid up for days and days and your volume of H[udson]'s letters was the most welcome alleviation to the worry and general horror of the situation. I think that your little introduction at the beginning is the most charming and touching thing that I ever remember having read. The letters themselves are of course particularly interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am better now and hasten to thank you for the more than generous sample of the "Criterion" which is really very good and did help me through some pretty bad sleepless hours of more than one night.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'Many thanks for the two copies, especially the grand format, of Crane's biography. Both sizes are very attractively got up. I very well like your fount and the spacing of the lines. I am going to drop a few lines to Mr Beer to congratulate him on his achievement. It is a live book, more so than any biography I ever read.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sorry I am late in thanking you for the little book and the friendly inscription. I greatly enjoyed the parodies on those writers I have read.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Have you seen Gwatkin? His novel is not bad and I can see now why it had that sale. Shall I send it to you or has he given you a copy?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am wholly delighted with your "R.[iceyman] S.[teps]. Wholly. You will give me credit for not having missed any special gems but it is the whole achievement as I went from page to page that secured my admiration. [...] I closed the book at 7 in the morning after the shortest sleepless night of my experience [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I read with the greatest pleasure what you say about Trollope. I made his acquaintance full thirty years ago and made up my mind about his value then, as a writer of remarkable talent for imaginative rendering of the social life of his time, with its activities and interests and incipient thoughts.[ ...] I was considerably impressed with them [The "Palliser" novels] in the early eighties when I chanced upon a novel entitled "Phineas Finn". Haven't seen them since, to tell you the truth [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'I read with the greatest pleasure what you say about Trollope. I made his acquaintance full thirty years ago and made up my mind about his value then, as a writer of remarkable talent for imaginative rendering of the social life of his time, with its activities and interests and incipient thoughts.[ ...] I was considerably impressed with them [The "Palliser" novels] in the early eighties when I chanced upon a novel entitled "Phineas Finn". Haven't seen them since, to tell you the truth [...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The play arrived yesterday and I read it in the evening (the proper time for plays) with the greatest appreciation.' [...] Some day — if you permit me — I'll send you the copy so you may write your name and mine on the flyleaf.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
'Many thanks for "La Maison natale", which you have so kindly sent me. I have just finished reading it and am greatly impressed by the simple and effective way you treat what I consider the most difficult subject in the realm of the spirit.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'I had letter from Sir Hugh Clifford. He sends me six copies of his address to the Legislative Council.[...] The report is very interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'Thank you for the magazines and books. I haven't yet dipped into the novel. I am very touched by the favourable response of the critics to the translation [of "A Set of Six"]. The article in "Robotnik" is very good and has greatly pleased me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'Today's "J[ohn] B[lunt]" is particularly good. [...] The last three "Blunts" were remarkably good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'For weeks I've had a bad wrist or I would have thanked you before for the "[A] M[an] [in] the Z[oo]". D[avid] may be congratulated in pulling off this piece with great tact and subtlety.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'As to the novel I think that between us two, if I tell you that I consider it "tout à fait chic" you will understand perfectly how much that "phrase de l'atelier" means to the initiated.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for letting me have a view of the Nelson letter which is most interesting. I appreciate very much you taking the risk of loss in order to give me that pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
'Forgive me for not thanking you sooner for the book ["Incidences"]. It's my gouty wrist I can barely hold a pen. But I don't need to tell you that I find your pages always congenial beyond measure. In the volume you so kindly sent to me there are some pages that I know. I did not know the Prefaces. I read them with delight — and also the reflections on mythology.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'My gouty wrist has kept me from thanking you immediately for the volume of poems that you so kindly sent me. [...] What more can I say to give you an idea of the pleasure (complete and faultless) that the reading of your verses has given me?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'My warm thanks for the inscribed copy of "Bolshevik Persecution" you have been kind enough to send me. I have read with interest this most remarkably able account of a significant episode in the long tale of religious persecution.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I feel compunctions not having written before about "The Forest" — a piece of work to which I came with the greatest interest. [...]. Anyway its a fine thing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
'As to your verses. May I keep them? Of course now you say you will not finish the poem — and it may be true — now.[...] But its charm and music are for me. I have read it more than once.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'Even H. Norman corroborates me out of his short experience. See his "Far East".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Thanks for the copy of "Good Reading". It's a charming little book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I simply had to tell you having been impressed by seeing for the first time in my life a work of imagination acting upon an average sensibility with the personal, mysterious and irresistable power of oratory [...]. I will keep the MS until tomorrow.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'In the vol entitled "Lear of the Steppes" only the first story is really worth reading. The other two ["Acia" and "Faust"] Turg[enev] wrote in French I believe first and they are not good specimens of his art.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Many thanks for the copy of your book which I have read with the greatest of interest and pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Infinite thanks for the honour and for the book. The copy having reached me two days ago I delayed writing until I had read those pages you have been so good as to dedicate to me.[...] Altogether a treat as mere reader [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'That's first rate stuff. I have read all but two of the stories, which'll have their turn this afternoon and I shall take up your copy on Monday myself and deliver it to Pinker with my own hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I have this moment received your very kind letter with the enclosure of verse for which I hasten to send you my warm thanks. The verse is very genuine and has appealed to me. My compliments to David Morton for having captured this musing mood so charmingly and with such a felicity of expression and images.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
'I ought to have thanked you before for Mrs Soskice's book. I remember it had a good press when it first appeared. It certainly has a quality but it is very much like the one-time Juliet.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It is years since I have read "Candide" of course in French. I must tell you I have been immensely pleased by the particular quality of this translation.'
[Hence follow five lines of further praise for the translation.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It my be that I failed to understand "The Ascending Effort", but I did not mean to treat Bourne disrespectfully. [But] you will admit that Bourne's writing in its slightly grotesque heaviness made it very difficult to read the whole book in a spirit of impartiality[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'When I was a bit older he read to me from Edward Lear's "Nonsense Songs and Stories". "Mr Yongy Bongy Bo", "The Owl and the Pussy Cat" and "The Old Man from the Kingdom of Tess", were favorites, but he enjoyed reading all of them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At other times he would tell me about the Malay Archipelago and the Malays and show me pictures in A. R. Wallace's book about that part of the world.
[...]
He would read to me about far away places, explaining how the natives built their houses on poles driven into the river beds of eastern rivers.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I am pretty sure that J[oseph] C[onrad] read it [the bound Christmas annual of "Boy's Own Paper"] after I had gone to bed because I found little spills of cigarette ash between the pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
'He enjoyed stories that were really funny but had no time for anything that was indecent though he was not a prude and often bought "La vie parisienne" and, for light reading in English, "Punch".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
'He enjoyed stories that were really funny but had no time for anything that was indecent though he was not a prude and often bought "La vie parisienne" and, for light reading in English, "Punch".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'He admired Edward Lear and would spend whole evenings reading "The Nonsense Songs and Stories" and he was also very fond of the Lewis Carroll books. The verses in these seemed to have a particular attraction for him and he would read them through aloud several times.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He would say he bought books to read, not to stare at their backs on a shelf while they collected dust over the years. He liked books to be well bound but it was their contents that mattered and he never kept a book of which he did not approve — there was no room for "bosh" in his bookcases. He was a fast reader, not a skimmer reading bits here and there, but a perspicacious reader who obtained the greatest satisfaction from a good story well written.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Adler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Adler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' Most mornings he spent reading the papers until about half past ten, then answered any letters that had come [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
'[...] two or three times a week after dinner we got out the chessmen and board and spent a couple of hours playing through the games in Capablanca's book. We played every game in the book, J[oseph] C[onrad] reading the moves, stopping where Capablanca had made a comment, so we could write down our own observations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'If my father saw my mother, brother or myself reading a book he would cruise around and pounce on it if we put it down when we went out of the room. When we returned the book had vanished and could not be found; most mysterious until we realised what was happening. A day or to later the book reappeared in exactly the same place from which it had vanished, and open at exactly the same page.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The night before we left [Montpellier]was one of the worst I have ever spent. Joseph Conrad was still handicapped by having his right hand in bandages, the gout had twisted his wrist and left it very weak and painful [...]. I was glad when my husband left me to finish the packing and retired to another room to read. But I was busy all night.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
'At another time he insisted that the gardener should remove all the plants from the tall stage in the glass house, that adjoined the drawing room. Then he had been wont to appear at the door clad only in a yellow and blue striped bath-robe, a wet parti-coloured bath towel wound around his head, and his feet encased in a big pair of Moorish slippers. In this garb he would mount to the top of the stage, right under the glass roof, and armed with a book ad a supply of cigarettes, take a sun-bath.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I believe [Arthur] Symons' verse was almost the only verse that my husband ever read, I mean with any real appreciation and pleasure. Usually I had to read any manuscript in this form — and he would, quite unblushingly, put forward my opinion as his own when acknowledging receipt.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Later on he talked laughingly of the cheap editions he had been wont to buy of Mark Twain's masterpieces, and spoke reminiscently of reading these books when he was on the Congo.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The single bed proved very unsuitable for Joseph Conrad, because apart from its legitimate purpose as a resting place, his bed had to be hospitable to a heap of books, all open and face downwards, maps, bed-rest, and more than once a wooden Spratt's dog-biscuit box he had ordered his man to place at the foot of the bed to brace his feet against.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He [Joseph Conrad] would read to me for long periods and make birds and other things out of sheets of paper which he folded with great dexterity. [...] His choice of books always met with my approval; I believe he must have read them all during his youth and enjoyed re-reading them almost as much as I enjoyed listening. Among them were Charles Kingsley's "Greek Heroes", Fennimore [sic] Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", "[The] Deerslayer", "The Pathfinder" and Captain Marryat's "Peter Simple", "[Mr] Midshipman Easy",etc.[...] Some of these volumes [...] are still on my bookshelves here with his signature inside the cover.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The first words of Conrad's first book ["Almayer's Folly"] were pencilled on the fly-leaves and margins of "Madame Bovary".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What really brought us [Ford and Conrad] together was a devotion to Flaubert and Maupassant. We discovered we both had Félicité , "St.-Julien l'Hospitalier", immense passages of "Madame Bovary", "La Nuit", "Ce Cochon de Morin" and immense passages of "Une Vie" by heart. Or so nearly by heart that what the one faltered over the other could take up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What really brought us [Ford and Conrad] together was a devotion to Flaubert and Maupassant. We discovered we both had Félicité, "St.-Julien l'Hospitalier", immense passages of "Madame Bovary", "La Nuit", "Ce Cochon de Morin" and immense passages of "Une Vie" by heart. Or so nearly by heart that what the one faltered over the other could take up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What really brought us [Ford and Conrad] together was a devotion to Flaubert and Maupassant. We discovered we both had Félicité, "St.-Julien l'Hospitalier", immense passages of "Madame Bovary", "La Nuit", "Ce Cochon de Morin" and immense passages of "Une Vie" by heart. Or so nearly by heart that what the one faltered over the other could take up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What really brought us [Ford and Conrad] together was a devotion to Flaubert and Maupassant. We discovered we both had Félicité, "St.-Julien l'Hospitalier", immense passages of "Madame Bovary", "La Nuit", "Ce Cochon de Morin" and immense passages of "Une Vie" by heart. Or so nearly by heart that what the one faltered over the other could take up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'What really brought us [Ford and Conrad] together was a devotion to Flaubert and Maupassant. We discovered we both had Félicité, "St.-Julien l'Hospitalier", immense passages of "Madame Bovary", "La Nuit", "Ce Cochon de Morin" and immense passages of "Une Vie" by heart. Or so nearly by heart that what the one faltered over the other could take up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The writer [Ford Madox Ford] never saw Conrad read any book of memoirs except those of Maxime Ducamp and the Correspondence of Flaubert; those we read daily together over a space of years. But somewhere in the past Conrad had read every imaginable and unimaginable volume of politician's memoirs, Mme de Campan, the Duc d'Audiffret Pasquier, Benjamin Constant, Karoline Bauer, Sir Horace Rumbold, Napoleon the Great, Napoleon III, Benjamin Franklin, Assheton Smith, Pitt, Chatham, Palmerston, Parnell,The late Queen Victoria, Dilke, Morley [...] There was no memoir of all these that he had missed or forgotten—down to "Il Principe" or the letters of Thomas Cromwell. He could sugddenly produce an incident from the life of Lord Shaftesbury and work it into "Nostromo" [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was during all these years that he [Conrad] read. Men at sea read an inordinate amount.[...] A large percentage of the letters received by writers from readers come from sailors either in the King's or the merchant service.[...]. It was Conrad's great good luck to be spared the usual literature that attends on the upringing of the British writer. He read such dog-eared books as are found in the professional quarters of ships' crews. He read Mrs. Henry Wood, Miss Braddon — above all Miss Braddon! — the "Family Herald", rarely even going as high as the late William Black or the pseudoliterary writers of his day.[...] Normally he would express the deepest gratitude to the writers of the "Family Herald" — a compilation of monthly novelettes the grammar of which was very efficiently censored by its sub-editors — and above all to Miss Braddon.[...]. Long after this period of seamanship Conrad read "The Orange Girl", a novel placed in the time of Charles II. He recognised in it, so he then said, all the qualities he had found in this novelist's work when he had been before the mast.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was during all these years that he [Conrad] read. Men at sea read an inordinate amount.[...] A large percentage of the letters received by writers from readers come from sailors either in the King's or the merchant service.[...]. It was Conrad's great good luck to be spared the usual literature that attends on the upringing of the British writer. He read such dog-eared books as are found in the professional quarters of ships' crews. He read Mrs. Henry Wood, Miss Braddon — above all Miss Braddon! — the "Family Herald", rarely even going as high as the late William Black or the pseudoliterary writers of his day.[...] Normally he would express the deepest gratitude to the writers of the "Family Herald" — a compilation of monthly novelettes the grammar of which was very efficiently censored by its sub-editors — and above all to Miss Braddon.[...]. Long after this period of seamanship Conrad read "The Orange Girl", a novel placed in the time of Charles II. He recognised in it, so he then said, all the qualities he had found in this novelist's work when he had been before the mast.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was during all these years that he [Conrad] read. Men at sea read an inordinate amount.[...] A large percentage of the letters received by writers from readers come from sailors either in the King's or the merchant service.[...]. It was Conrad's great good luck to be spared the usual literature that attends on the upringing of the British writer. He read such dog-eared books as are found in the professional quarters of ships' crews. He read Mrs. Henry Wood, Miss Braddon — above all Miss Braddon! — the "Family Herald", rarely even going as high as the late William Black or the pseudoliterary writers of his day.[...] Normally he would express the deepest gratitude to the writers of the "Family Herald" — a compilation of monthly novelettes the grammar of which was very efficiently censored by its sub-editors — and above all to Miss Braddon.[...]. Long after this period of seamanship Conrad read "The Orange Girl", a novel placed in the time of Charles II. He recognised in it, so he then said, all the qualities he had found in this novelist's work when he had been before the mast.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'It was during all these years that he [Conrad] read. Men at sea read an inordinate amount.[...] A large percentage of the letters received by writers from readers come from sailors either in the King's or the merchant service.[...]. It was Conrad's great good luck to be spared the usual literature that attends on the upringing of the British writer. He read such dog-eared books as are found in the professional quarters of ships' crews. He read Mrs. Henry Wood, Miss Braddon — above all Miss Braddon! — the "Family Herald", rarely even going as high as the late William Black or the pseudoliterary writers of his day.[...] Normally he would express the deepest gratitude to the writers of the "Family Herald" — a compilation of monthly novelettes the grammar of which was very efficiently censored by its sub-editors — and above all to Miss Braddon.[...]. Long after this period of seamanship Conrad read "The Orange Girl", a novel placed in the time of Charles II. He recognised in it, so he then said, all the qualities he had found in this novelist's work when he had been before the mast.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
'He [Conrad] one or twice said that when he was going down Ratcliffe Highway [from the City to Limehouse, East End of London] he was jumped out at from a doorway by a gentleman who presented him with a copy of the English Bible. This was printed on rice paper. He used the leaves for rolling cigarettes, but before smoking always read the page. So, he said, he learnt English.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From that time for ten years Conrad followed the sea. The deep sea, reading all sorts of books. Once an officer with quarters of his own he resumed his reading of French along with the English popular works. He read with the greatest veneration Flaubert and Maupassant; with less, Daudet and Gautier; with much less, Pierre Loti. Tormented with the curiosity of words, even at sea, on the margins of the French books he made notes for the translation of phrases. The writer has seen several of these old books of Conrad, notably an annotated copy of "Pêcheur d'Islande" — and of course the copy of "Madame Bovary" upon the endpapers and margins of which "Almayer's Folly" was begun.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From that time for ten years Conrad followed the sea. The deep sea, reading all sorts of books. Once an officer with quarters of his own he resumed his reading of French along with the English popular works. He read with the greatest veneration Flaubert and Maupassant; with less, Daudet and Gautier; with much less, Pierre Loti. Tormented with the curiosity of words, even at sea, on the margins of the French books he made notes for the translation of phrases. The writer has seen several of these old books of Conrad, notably an annotated copy of "Pêcheur d'Islande" — and of course the copy of "Madame Bovary" upon the endpapers and margins of which "Almayer's Folly" was begun.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From that time for ten years Conrad followed the sea. The deep sea, reading all sorts of books. Once an officer with quarters of his own he resumed his reading of French along with the English popular works. He read with the greatest veneration Flaubert and Maupassant; with less, Daudet and Gautier; with much less, Pierre Loti. Tormented with the curiosity of words, even at sea, on the margins of the French books he made notes for the translation of phrases. The writer has seen several of these old books of Conrad, notably an annotated copy of "Pêcheur d'Islande" — and of course the copy of "Madame Bovary" upon the endpapers and margins of which "Almayer's Folly" was begun.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'From that time for ten years Conrad followed the sea. The deep sea, reading all sorts of books. Once an officer with quarters of his own he resumed his reading of French along with the English popular works. He read with the greatest veneration Flaubert and Maupassant; with less, Daudet and Gautier; with much less, Pierre Loti. Tormented with the curiosity of words, even at sea, on the margins of the French books he made notes for the translation of phrases. The writer has seen several of these old books of Conrad, notably an annotated copy of "Pêcheur d'Islande" — and of course the copy of "Madame Bovary" upon the endpapers and margins of which "Almayer's Folly" was begun.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'He was reading at the time Daudet's "Jack", which immensely fascinated him, though he found it "trop chargé" — as who should say, too harrowing.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Conrad's face would cloud over. He would snatch up a volume of Racine and read half a dozen lines.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'On his arrival in Poland Conrad knew from our contemporary literature only "Popioly" and "Panna Mery". During his two-month stay he devoured almost all that was worth reading in fiction and drama. "Devoured" is the right word, for he read with unusual, unbelievable speed. I was constantly bringing him new books; he used to get impatient when on finishing one, there was not another at hand. In every case his judgement was correct — in respect both of the book as a whole and of the particular style of each author. Wyspianski and Zeromski made the greatest impression on him. "Oh, how I would like to translate it!" he said about "Warszawianska".[...] His favorite books by Zeromski were "Popioly" and "Syzyfowy prace". I should mention Prus. The first work of Prus I gave Conrad was "Emancypantki", one of my favorite books.[...] I warned him "Perhaps the first volume will not be up to your expectations, but don't give up [...]" (In the case of "Chlopi" I could not persuade him to read further volumes; "I know already what's coming" he said.) [...] When he had finished the entire novel ["Emancypatki"], he remarked with amazement, "Ma chère, c'est mieux que Dickens!". [...] First I gave him "Lalka " to read, then "Faraon". [...] Conrad kept asking for more books by Prus [...]. He read with passion "Palac i rudera" and "Powracajaca fala", books which I confess left me thoroughly bored.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'"This is my beloved Prus," Konrad [sic] pointed at a volume of "Emancypantski". I can read it over and over again." When I laid my hand on "Kazimierz Wielki", he said,
"Not this one, though."
"Why not?"
"It weighs me down. It's hard to pick oneself up afterwards," he added.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'"This is my beloved Prus," Konrad [sic] pointed at a volume of "Emancypantski". I can read it over and over again." When I laid my hand on "Kazimierz Wielki", he said,
"Not this one, though."
"Why not?"
"It weighs me down. It's hard to pick oneself up afterwards," he added.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
' In Konrad's [sic] "little corner" in the living room one more book appeared on his table: Witkiewicz's "Matejko". It had been sent by my sister [Aniela Zagorska] for Janek [John Conrad] and Konrad had put it there. One evening he took it to his room and began looking through it. I was sitting quietly in the corner of the sofa. For a long time he was turning over the pages. Suddenly he spoke up: "What an amazing unity of expression there is in his works. Et quelle grandeur! Even when depicting tragic moments he primarily sees their majesty."
[The writer then describes Conrad and his younger son examining and commenting on the book together.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Once, talking about Zeromski I asked Konrad [sic] if he had read "Roza". He had not. So I ran to my room and brought down a copy. I laid it on the table so he could read it when he pleased. [...] Konrad moved towards the light, and having opened the book on the table leaned over it on his elbows. He did not ask me any questions and without a word remained a long time in that position.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'"Marius [the Epicurean]" came this morning and I am licking my chops in anticipation.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Grant Allen’s”[The] Woman Who Did”, c’est un livre mort. Gr.[ant]Allen is a man of inferior
intelligence and his work is not art in any sense. “[The] Woman Who Did” had a kind of success,
of curiosity mostly—and that only among the philistines –the sort of people who read Marie
Corelli and Hall Caine. Neither of these writers belongs to literature. All three are very popular
with the public—and they are also puffed in the press.[...] Grant Allen is considered a man of
letters among scholars and a scholar among men of letters. He writes popular scientific manuals
equally well. En somme—un imbecile. Marie Corelli is not noticed critically by the serious
reviews. She is simply ignored. Her books sell largely; Hall Caine is a kind of male Marie Corelli.
[...] Among the writers who deserve attention the first is Rudyard Kipling (his last book, ”The
Day’s Work”,a novel). J.M. Barrie—a Scotsman. His last book “Sentimental Tommy” (last year).
[...] George Moore has published the novel “Evelyn Innes”—un succès d’estime. He is supposed
to belong to to the naturalistic school and Zola is his prophet. Tout ça, c’est très vieux jeu. A
certain Mr. T Watts-Dunton published the novel “Aylwin”, a curiosity success, as this Watts-
Dunton (who is also a barrister) is apparently a friend of different celebrities in the world of Fine
Arts (especially in the pre-Raphaelite School). He has crammed them all into his book. H.G.
Wells published this year “The War of the Worlds” and “The Invisible Man”. He is a very original
writer, romancier du fantastique, with a very individualist judgement in all things and an
astonishing imagination.’
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Among the writers who deserve attention the first is Rudyard Kipling (his last book,”The Day’s
Work”, a novel[sic]). J.M. Barrie—a Scotsman. His last book “Sentimental Tommy” (last year).
[...] George Moore has published the novel “Evelyn Innes”—un success d’estime. He is supposed
to belong to the naturalistic school and Zola is his prophet. Tout ça, c’est très vieux jeu. A
certain Mr. T Watts-Dunton published the novel “Aylwin” a curiosity success, as this Watts-
Dunton( who is also a barrister) is apparently a friend of different celebrities in the world of Fine
Arts (especially in the pre-Raphaelite School). He has crammed them all into his book. H.G.
Wells published this year “The War of the Worlds” and “The Invisible Man”. He is a very original
writer, romancier du fantastique, with a very individualist judgement in all things and an
astonishing imagination.’
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'Among the writers who deserve attention the first is Rudyard Kipling (his last book ,”The Day’s
Work”, a novel). J.M. Barrie—a Scotsman. His last book “Sentimental Tommy” (last year).[...]
George Moore has published the novel “Evelyn Innes”—un succès d’estime. He is supposed to
belong to the naturalistic school and Zola is his prophet. Tout ça, c’est très vieux jeu. A certain
Mr. T Watts-Dunton published the novel “Aylwin” a curiosity success, as this Watts-Dunton( who
is also a barrister) is apparently a friend of different celebrities in the world of Fine Arts
(especially in the pre-Raphaelite School). He has crammed them all into his book. H.G. Wells
published this year “The War of the Worlds” and “The Invisible Man”. He is a very original writer,
romancier du fantastique, with a very individualist judgement in all things and an astonishing
imagination.’
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Among the writers who deserve attention the first is Rudyard Kipling (his last book ,”The Day’s
Work”, a novel). J.M. Barrie—a Scotsman. His last book “Sentimental Tommy” (last year).[...]
George Moore has published the novel “Evelyn Innes”—un succès d’estime. He is supposed to
belong to the naturalistic school and Zola is his prophet. Tout ça, c’est très vieux jeu. A certain
Mr.T Watts-Dunton published the novel “Aylwin” a curiosity success, as this Watts-Dunton( who
is also a barrister) is apparently a friend of different celebrities in the world of Fine Arts
(especially in the pre-Raphaelite School). He has crammed them all into his book. H.G. Wells
published this year “The War of the Worlds” and “The Invisible Man”. He is a very original writer,
romancier du fantastique, with a very individualist judgement in all things and an astonishing
imagination.’
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'By the same post with the ordered copy of the E[nglish] R[eview]arrived the charming cahier
des vers ["High Germany"] inscribed to us both. I have been turning over its pages ever since, in
a manner of speaking, perfectly fascinated with its feeling and music. It's you--very
characteristic-- and yet with a difference--how shall we say it? A sort of deeper vibration.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I've read the "Seven Seas" and Jessie has used the scent (after heroic struggles with Kipling's
diction and the glass stopper)and we are full of gratitude. Both things are excellent--the scent in
its way better than the poems. But this we can discuss.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'The last words unveiling the mystery of the Erebus and Terror expedition were brought home
and disclosed to the world by Sir Leopold M’Clintock in his book "The Voyage of the Fox in the
Arctic Seas". It is a little book but it records with manly simplicity the tragic ending of a great
tale. It so happened that I was born in the year of its publication. Therefore I may be excused
for not getting hold of it till ten years afterwards. I can only account for it falling into my hands
by the fact that the fate of Sir John Franklin was a matter of European interest, and that Sir
Leopold M’Clintock’s book was translated I believe into every language of the white races. My
copy was probably in French. But I have read the work many times since. I have now on my
shelves a copy of a popular edition got up exactly as I remember my first one. It contains the
touching facsimile of a printed form filled in with a summary record of the two ships, with the
name of “Sir John Franklin commanding the expedition” and written in ink, and the pathetic
underlined entry “All well”.[...]. There can hardly have been imagined a better book to let in the
breath of the stern romance of Polar exploration into the existence of a boy[...]
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
'I will send you soon a note on Miss Kingsley's book on Africa. C'est un voyageur et un écrivain
très remarquable. Her opinions of questions dealing with the colonies are thought a great deal
of.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
I remember one morning, early, I found him in his study laughing uproariously: he was reading, in Proust's "Pastiches et Mélanges", the pastiche of Flaubert (and he had a special reverence for Flaubert), I had rarely seen him enjoying himself so much. I had barely entered the room when he re-read me the sentences, one after the other [...]
(Trans. by contributor)
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
