Heart Of Darkness

Product Description

A haunting & hugely influential Modernist masterpiece the Penguin Classics" edition of Joseph Conrads " Heart of Darkness" is edited with an introduction by Owen Knowles. Conrads narrator Marlow a seaman & wanderer recounts his physical & psychological journey in search of the infamous ivory trader Kurtz: dying insane & guilty of unspeakable atrocities. Travelling upriver to the heart of the African continent he gradually becomes obsessed by this enigmatic wraith-like figure. Marlows discovery of how Kurtz has gained his position of power over the local people involves him in a radical questioning not only of his own nature & values but also those of western civilisation. The inspiration for Francis Ford Coppolas Oscar-winning film " Apocalypse Now" " Heart of Darkness" is a quintessentially modernist work exploring the limits of human experience & the nightmarish realities of imperialism. Part of a major series of new editions of Conrads most famous works in " Penguin Classics" this volume contains Conrads " Congo Diary" a chronology further reading notes a map of the Congo a glossary & an introduction discussing the authors experiences in Africa the narrative & symbolic complexities of " Heart of Darkness" & critical responses to the novel. Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was born in the Ukraine & grew up under Tsarist autocracy. After spending years in the French & later the British Merchant Navy Conrad left the sea to devote himself to writing. In 1896 he settled in Kent where he produced within fifteen years such modern classics as " Youth" " Heart of Darkness" " Lord Jim" " Typhoon" " Nostromo" " The Secret Agent" & " Under Western Eyes". If you enjoyed " Heart of Darkness" you might like E.M. Forsters "A Passage to India" also available in " Penguin Classics". " Seems to reach into the heart of Conrad himself". (Peter Ackroyd)."