Joseph Conrad is one of the most intriguing and important modernist novelists. His writing continues to preoccupy twenty-first-century readers. The rise of postcolonial studies has inspired new interest in Conrad's themes of travel, exploration, and racial and ethnic conflict. John Peters explains how these themes are explored in his major works, Nostromo, Lord Jim and Heart of Darkness, as well as his short stories. He provides an essential overview of Conrad's fascinating life and career and his approach to writing and literature. A guide to further reading is included which points to some of the most useful secondary criticism on Conrad. This is the most comprehensive and concise introduction to studying Conrad available, and will be essential reading for students of the twentieth-century novel and of modernism.
- An accessibly written introduction to Conrad’s life, context and works; ideal for students
- Covers all the basics and provides up-to-date knowledge of critical work
- Offers thorough discussions of Heart of Darkess, Lord Jim, Nostromo, and lesser-known works
Contents:
1.Conrad's life
2.Conrad's context
3.Conrad's early period
4.Conrad's middle period
5.Conrad's later period
6.Conrad criticism.
'… explores its subject's life, intellectual and artistic contexts, works, and reception …' English Literature in Transition 1880–1920
'… Peters has elucidated recurrent themes and issues, and, partly by his avoidance of jargon, has shown that one 'approach' demoted by theoretical pundits is the way of shrewd common sense. This is a handy and helpful volume. If you like labels, call it 'reconstructive.' Modern Language Review
