The Nigger of the "Narcissus": A Tale of the Sea

London: William Heinemann, 1898. Very Good. London: William Heinemann, 1898. First UK Edition, earliest issue with "H" in Heinemann at base of spine larger than other letters. Octavo. 259 pp., + [4] pp. advertisements + 16 pp. publisher's "Autumn Announcements" dated 1897 in roman numerals. Dark slate cloth stamped in gilt with publisher's blind stamp to rear. Boards rather worn with scuffing to front and rear; rubbing to spine; top of spine nudged. Shaky in binding but overall holding. Hinges starting; toning to interior; ownership inscription to front flyleaf. A Good to Very Good copy.

Of this early Conrad title, professor and scholar Dr. John G. Peters says, "The unfortunately titled The 'Nigger' of the Narcissus (titled The Children of the Sea in the first American edition) is Conrad's best work of his early period. In fact, were it not for the book's title, it undoubtedly would be read more often than it is currently. At one time, it was one of Conrad's most frequently read books. In part because of its brevity, in part because of its adventure qualities, and in part because of its literary qualities, the novel used to attract a good deal of attention."

[Wise 5].