Heart of Darkness and Other Tales (Oxford World's Classics)

Set in an atmosphere of mystery and menace, Heart of Darkness tells the story of Marlow's journey up the Congo River to meet the remarkable Mr. Kurtz. It reveals Conrad at the height of his powers as a writer of great vividness, intensity, and sophistication. An Outpost of Progress is also set in central Africa and offers a fiercely sardonic view of European imperialism. Karain, with its Malaysian setting, questions conventional ideas of the contrasts between races. Youth is a largely autobiographical account of an ill-fated voyage in which Marlow makes his first appearance. The four tales variously appraise the glamour, folly, and rapacity of imperial adventure. All are concerned with illusions and all, in their diverse ways, display the brilliance of Joseph Conrad, creator of exotic vistas, adventurous narratives, and acutely ironic insights into human nature and the bases of civilization. - Back cover. 'Heart of Darkness' is Conrad's finest tale and tells of Marlow's journey up the Congo River to meet Mr Kurtz. This volume also includes 'An Outpost of Progress', 'Karain', and 'Youth' in a revised edition using the English first edition texts and with new chronology and bibliography. General editor's preface Introduction Note on the text Select bibliography A chronology of Joseph Conrad Map : The River Congo An Outpost of Progress Karain : A Memory Youth : A Narrative Heart of Darkness Extract from the author's note (1917) Explanatory notes Glossary