A Set of SixA Set of Six (1908) is one of Conrad's most versatile and varied compositions, embracing diverse interests and settings, multiple tonal qualities and a medley of short-story forms (ranging from the novella in 'The Duel' to the anecdotal tale in 'The Informer'). The volume's wide-ranging introduction offers a careful evaluation of the origins and sources of the individual stories, while also measuring their early reception as a published collection. Explanatory notes clarify literary and historical references, identify real-life places and people, and indicate borrowings and Gallicisms. The lengthy textual essay and its accompanying apparatus lay out the history of composition and publication, detailing interventions made by Conrad's typists, compositors and editors. Also included are appendices, allowing the reader first-hand access to Conrad's source material; glossaries of nautical and foreign terms; and illustrations in the form of maps and reproductions of early drafts. By returning to (and respecting) Conrad's own early manuscript and typescript forms, this edition presents the collection and its preface in a form more authoritative than any so far printed. |
Common terms and phrases
adversary affair amongst anarchist ancien régime Antonio de Leyva Apse Family arms army asked began brute café Camorra Captain D'Hubert Charley Chevalier Colchester Colonel D'Hubert Colonel Feraud comrades conviction Count course cried cuirassier dear door duel eyes face feeling fellow felt garden Gaspar Ruiz girl glance hair hands head heard heart Hermione Street honour JOSEPH CONRAD knew lady laugh Léonie Lieut Lieutenant lips looked matter Monsieur moustache murmured musket never night officer once Otranto Peneleo PERCY WHITE Ponte Corvo poor pretty maid pulled risotto Robles round Royalist Santierra seemed señores sergeant Set of Six Sevrin ship shot shoulders shouted side silent smile soldiers sort soul staring stoicism stood suddenly surprise sword TAUCHNITZ tell thing thought told tone took turned VIOLET HUNT voice walked window woman word yelled young