Harper Collins is proud to present its range of best-loved essential classics. ' The reaches opened before us & closed behind as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper & deeper into the heart of darkness.' At the peak of European Imperialism steamboat captain Charles Marlow travels deep into the African Congo on his way to relieve the elusive Mr Kurtz an ivory trader renowned for his fearsome reputation. On his journey into the unknown Marlow takes a terrifying trip into his own subconscious overwhelmed by his menacing perilous & horrifying surroundings. The landscape & the people he meets force him to reflect on human nature & society & in turn Conrad writes revealingly about the dangers of imperialism.