''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
'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 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 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
'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
