NOTES ON LIFE & LETTERS. [1 of 21 or fewer advance copies extant]
by Conrad, Joseph
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Yarmouth, Maine, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
1921. [one of 35 (now 21) copies] London & Toronto: J.M. Dent & Sons, 1921. Original olive green cloth.
First Edition, of which this is one of 35 (Wise says 33) privately-printed advance copies that "were sent to friends of the publisher." These pieces primarily come from the limited pamphlets that were privately printed for Thomas J. Wise during the two preceding years; Conrad's friend Richard Curle was instrumental in having them combined into this volume. These advance copies are slightly taller, and somewhat slimmer, than trade copies -- and read "Privately Printed..1921" on the title verso; as with all known advance copies, the contents leaf is in the earliest state, with the "S" and "A" missing from the word "SEA". As Supino gleaned from Conrad's letters, "Sixteen copies were given by Conrad and J.M. Dent to friends, Conrad kept five copies, which he sold through Wise, and the remaining copies were destroyed" -- which, if accurate, means that today a maximum of 21 copies might be extant. This copy is just about fine (minor spotting near the rear cover fore-edge); the spine gilt is bright and there is literally no wear at all. It is believed that no dust jacket was provided for these advance copies. Supino A23.1.0 (this copy); Cagle A51a(1). Provenance: discreet bookplate of the Conrad bibliographer David J. Supino (also, loosely inserted is a prior dealer's description of this copy, on which Supino worked out the volume's collation).
First Edition, of which this is one of 35 (Wise says 33) privately-printed advance copies that "were sent to friends of the publisher." These pieces primarily come from the limited pamphlets that were privately printed for Thomas J. Wise during the two preceding years; Conrad's friend Richard Curle was instrumental in having them combined into this volume. These advance copies are slightly taller, and somewhat slimmer, than trade copies -- and read "Privately Printed..1921" on the title verso; as with all known advance copies, the contents leaf is in the earliest state, with the "S" and "A" missing from the word "SEA". As Supino gleaned from Conrad's letters, "Sixteen copies were given by Conrad and J.M. Dent to friends, Conrad kept five copies, which he sold through Wise, and the remaining copies were destroyed" -- which, if accurate, means that today a maximum of 21 copies might be extant. This copy is just about fine (minor spotting near the rear cover fore-edge); the spine gilt is bright and there is literally no wear at all. It is believed that no dust jacket was provided for these advance copies. Supino A23.1.0 (this copy); Cagle A51a(1). Provenance: discreet bookplate of the Conrad bibliographer David J. Supino (also, loosely inserted is a prior dealer's description of this copy, on which Supino worked out the volume's collation).
Synopsis
The twenty-six essays collected in Notes on Life and Letters offer a kaleidoscopic view of Joseph Conrad's literary views and interest in the events of his day, including the Titanic disaster, First World War, and the re-emergence of his native Poland as a nation state. The introduction gives the history of the gathering of these diverse pieces into a single volume, traces the book's reception, and offers new perspectives on its relationship to Conrad's other writings.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Sumner & Stillman (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 15412
- Title
- NOTES ON LIFE & LETTERS. [1 of 21 or fewer advance copies extant]
- Author
- Conrad, Joseph
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Date Published
- 1921
- Bookseller catalogs
- Nonfiction;
Terms of Sale
Sumner & Stillman
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Sumner & Stillman
Biblio member since 2009
Yarmouth, Maine
About Sumner & Stillman
Founded in 1980, Sumner & Stillman is a small family business providing personal service in the buying and selling of literary first editions of the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) for over 30 years.
Glossary
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- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- First Edition
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- Cloth
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- Spine
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- Gilt
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- Jacket
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- Bookplate
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