Victory. by CONRAD, Joseph - 1915: An Island Tale.

London: Methuen, 1915. First UK edition, presentation copy inscribed on publication by Conrad, "To Caroline and Arthur Marwood from J. Conrad 1915" on the front free endpaper. Conrad met Arthur Marwood through their mutual friend Ford Madox Ford, who later based the hero of Parade's End, Christopher Tietjens, on Marwood's life and character.
Marwood was evidently a loyal and assiduous reader of Conrad's work, and, having received an advanced copy of Victory, wrote to him in April 1915 to suggest a correction that might be made. Conrad's reply suggests a strong friendship: "I am much relieved by your letter as far as Victory is concerned... you, my dear fellow, are the real Wise Man of the Age. I am so convinced by the truth of what you say that I'd have cabled to U.S. the correction you suggest, if it hadn't been to late... I can't tell you bow grateful I am to you for our friendship, which speaks aloud to me out of the lines of your letter so indulgent and so careful of my good fame and fortune" (30 April 1915). Octavo. Original red cloth lettered in gilt. Housed in a custom box. A bright and clean near-fine copy, with a touch of fading to the spine.