My first encounter with Conrad, and the one that has recurred most frequently for me since then, was "Heart of Darkness". It serves as an example of what, in my view, appears to be the most recurring theme in his shorter fiction. The protagonist experiences an atypically "transformative" event through a chance meeting, trauma, or situation that shatters their moral certainty, previously cherished beliefs, and/or senseless sense of self-importance, often irrevocably. This generally leaves a cast of characters bewildered, as they still stand firmly on the shores of social mores, prejudices, and confidence that the now-changed character has just been unwillingly pushed away from.

I say atypically because more often than not, there is no catharsis and few lessons are learned. Generally, the character is left seemingly confused, with more questions than insights. Even if the protagonist has become the inheritor of some previously unrealized greater truth, it almost always serves to alienate them.

To be fair, that's a broad generalization. In stories like "Youth", "Il Conde", aspects of "Amy Foster", and perhaps "Typhoon", there are moments of notable exception. At the very least, it's fair to say that Conrad's characters tend to encounter the unknown, which often proves darker and more mysterious than they ever imagined. They are rattled, sometimes for the better, but more often than not, they seem merely haunted, with the events playing over and over in their minds perpetually.

With the exception of "The Lagoon" and, to a lesser extent, "Il Conde" (and perhaps "An Outpost of Progress" - only because its major themes are more fully realized in "Heart of Darkness"), every single selection here is fantastic. However, the crowning achievement of the collection for me is "The Secret Sharer". While its aims are markedly less ambitious than a story like "Heart of Darkness" or "The Nigger of the Narcissus", its confident clarity of prose and plot allows it to succeed where the former, as great as they are, can sometimes be blemished.

It should be noted well, however, that you will need a glossary of nautical terms to understand a great deal of the dramatic action taking place in some stories. Without a basic knowledge of nautical terminology, especially regarding the layout of ships, stories like "Typhoon" will be unintelligible.

S'OK, but Africans are people too. This simple statement holds a profound truth that often gets overlooked or forgotten. Africans, like people from all over the world, have their own unique cultures, traditions, languages, and histories. They have dreams, hopes, and aspirations just like everyone else.

It is essential to recognize and respect the individuality and humanity of Africans. We should not generalize or stereotype them based on their continent of origin. Each African is an individual with their own story to tell and their own contributions to make.

By understanding and appreciating the diversity within the African continent, we can build stronger and more inclusive global communities. We need to break down the barriers of prejudice and discrimination and embrace the fact that Africans are an integral part of the human family. Let us all work together to create a world where everyone is treated with equality and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

I have read Heart of Darkness, but I haven't read the other works of Conrad yet. This is a comprehensive anthology that is perfect for those who have a passion for Conrad's writing.

Conrad's works are known for their profound exploration of human nature, the darkness within, and the complex themes of imperialism, morality, and the human condition. Heart of Darkness, in particular, is a powerful and thought-provoking novella that takes readers on a journey into the heart of Africa and the depths of the human psyche.

This anthology offers a wide range of Conrad's works, allowing readers to explore his unique style and vision. From his early novels to his later short stories, it provides a comprehensive overview of his literary achievements. Whether you are a long-time fan of Conrad or new to his works, this anthology is sure to captivate and inspire you.

So, if you are looking for a collection of Conrad's works that will introduce you to his world and leave you with a deeper understanding of his genius, then this comprehensive anthology is the perfect choice.

I am typically not a fan of "portable" anything by Viking. However, this particular piece is actually quite insightful. It offers a fair representation of the author.

The way the author presents their ideas is engaging and thought-provoking. It makes me look at the concept of "portable" in a different light.

I appreciate the effort that went into creating this article. It shows that the author has a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Overall, I would recommend this article to others who are interested in learning more about Viking's "portable" offerings. It may just change your perspective as it did mine.

After reading this work, Conrad has truly become one of my all-time favorite authors. His writing is a unique blend of the dark and the sublime, which has an almost magical charm.

The way he portrays the human condition, with all its flaws and complexities, is simply captivating. His stories take us on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, yet somehow manage to find moments of beauty and transcendence.

Conrad's use of language is also masterful. His prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures in our minds and making us feel as if we are right there with the characters.

In conclusion, Conrad's works are a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature. His ability to explore the depths of the human experience and create something truly beautiful out of it is truly remarkable.

Like attempts to reconcile Newtonian and quantum physics, most literary attempts to use particularized human characteristics to explain broader societal phenomena are, at best, wrong and, at worst, ideologies.

Conrad, however, stands out as a unique figure. He may be the only author who can simultaneously see clearly into the individual psyche and implicitly explain the significance of that characteristic on a grand scale through his explication of it.

It is as if the words he uses are tailor-made specifically for his sentences. Reading his works is redolent of what it would be like to witness a young Mike Tyson taking on Andre the Giant. The power and precision with which he delves into the human mind and its implications for society are truly remarkable.

Conrad's ability to bridge the gap between the individual and the collective is a testament to his literary genius. His works offer a profound and nuanced understanding of the human condition and the forces that shape our world.

In a literary landscape often filled with simplistic or ideological interpretations, Conrad's works shine as beacons of truth and insight. They challenge us to look beyond the surface and explore the deeper meanings and connections that underlie our lives and our society.

Whether we are grappling with the mysteries of the universe or the complexities of the human heart, Conrad's works offer us a valuable perspective and a source of inspiration.

Character development:

Half a star. The characters seem real, yet they remain at a distance, making it difficult to truly get to know them. It's as if there is a filter between the reader and the characters, preventing a deeper connection.

Plot development:

Half. The plot has its moments of excitement, but it also has long stretches of boredom. It would pick me up in waves, only to deposit me in little inlets of monotony every couple of pages.

Originality:

One star. Conrad's work is truly original. I have never read anything quite like it. His unique perspective and writing style make his books stand out from the crowd.

Complexity:

Zilch. At times, the books can be overly complex, but this complexity is also part of their beauty and truth. The themes and ideas presented are deep and thought-provoking, requiring the reader to engage with the text on a deeper level.

Recommendability:

Zilch. While hipsters might love Conrad's work, I can't honestly recommend it to just anyone. It is made for a specific demographic who appreciate his unique style and themes.

Summary:

2 stars. I read Conrad because of our shared Polish background. I was amazed at his command of the English language, especially considering my own Polish friends in Canada who struggle with both their native and adopted tongues. I only read three of his works, and while I barely remember the first two, The Heart of Darkness stood out with its undulating rhythm and exploration of the dark heart of colonial Africa and the human condition. However, I'm glad this phase is behind me and I likely won't return to Conrad anytime soon.

My vote for the best single-volume introduction to Conrad goes to this particular work.

When it is combined with Michael Gorra's excellent and highly entertaining introduction, it creates an experience that is very much like an undergraduate seminar on Conrad.

Strangely enough, Conrad was a writer that I avoided for some reason during my undergraduate years.

Perhaps it was due to the complexity of his works or some preconceived notions I had.

However, this combination of the single-volume introduction and Gorra's insights has opened my eyes to the genius of Conrad.

It has allowed me to explore his works in a more in-depth and engaging way, as if I were sitting in a seminar room, discussing and analyzing his novels and short stories with my peers and a knowledgeable professor.

I am now grateful for this opportunity to discover Conrad and his rich literary world.

It has truly been a rewarding experience that has broadened my understanding and appreciation of literature.

I had a great admiration for Conrad after reading "Heart of Darkness", "Secret Agent" and "Under Western Skies" in a college class. However, in all the years that followed, I didn't delve deeper into his works.

This anthology offers a more comprehensive view of Conrad through a selection of stories, a short novel like "Typhoon", and a long novel, "Narcissus" (along with "Heart of Darkness").

The 50-page introduction might seem a bit excessive, and I could have done without the letters at the end. Nevertheless, this survey provided captivating reading and enhanced my appreciation of his literary achievements.

Conrad's works are known for their complex themes, vivid descriptions, and profound insights into human nature. By exploring a wider range of his writings in this anthology, I was able to gain a more nuanced understanding of his unique literary style and the depth of his ideas.

Overall, this anthology has reignited my interest in Conrad and has inspired me to explore his other works in the future. It serves as a valuable resource for both new readers and those who are already familiar with his work.

So far so good…

The story continues to unfold in a rather interesting manner. I find myself still reading, caught in a strange dichotomy. On one hand, there are parts that seem almost painfully boring, making my mind wander a little. But on the other hand, there are moments of absolute brilliance that completely entrance me.

It's as if the author is playing a game with my emotions and attention. The dull sections lull me into a sense of complacency, only to be suddenly jolted back to full awareness by a stroke of genius.

I can't help but wonder what lies ahead. Will the boredom continue to alternate with the brilliance? Or will one eventually overtake the other? Only time will tell as I continue to turn the pages, eager to see where this literary journey will lead me.

Conrad is the best.

He has an outstanding personality and remarkable abilities. His kindness and generosity make him beloved by everyone around him.

Conrad is also extremely intelligent and has a great talent for solving problems. No matter how difficult the situation is, he can always find a way to deal with it effectively.

In addition, Conrad is a very hardworking person. He never gives up easily and always strives to achieve his goals. His perseverance and determination are truly inspiring.

Overall, Conrad is an extraordinary person, and there is no doubt that he is the best.

My Portable Conrad is the old Viking selection from the 40s.

Penguin's newer offering has made some changes. It has tossed out some of the longer short stories, such as Typhoon and Youth. However, it now includes the complete novel, The Secret Agent. You'll have to let me know if this is an improvement.

It also seems to focus more on the political Conrad, which is understandable in a post-Said world. The old version had an introduction that mainly focused on Conrad's contributions to world literature rather than politics.

Most of the stories chosen for the first Portable are "infernal" sea tales (sorry, Joe). But Heart of Darkness, my favorite in the collection, can't be simply classified or dismissed as just a "sea tale".

All the stories are from the first half of his career, with the notable exception of The Warrior's Soul. Many of the stories have their own reputations even before a reader gets to know them formally. This undoubtedly complicates matters.

Narcissus is indeed a minefield, but an interesting one. The characters, used as social symbols, structure the story more than in any other I've read so far, except for Greene's The Quiet American.

As Portables go, offering a variety of short stories and selected personal letters of the author, this one is a worthy introduction to the work of a truly Great Author.