Table of Contents

Illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part I. Heart of Darkness: 1. The fascination of Africa; 2. The death of Freiesleben; 3. Bordeaux to Boma; 4. The company station - Matadi; 5. Matadi to Kinchassa - the central station; 6. Kinchassa to Stanley Falls; 7. Stanley Falls - the heart of darkness; 8. Klein; 9. The journey down-river; 10. Kurtz; 11. Henry Morton Stanley - the Yawl Nellie; 12. 'An Outpost of Progress'; Part II. Nostromo: 13. 'Gaspar Ruiz'; 14. The garibaldino; 15. Nostromo and Decoud; 16. Sir John and 'Material Interests'; 17. Dr Monygham and Don José Avellanos; 18. Costaguana and Sulaco; Part III. The Secret Agent: 19. 'The Informer'; 20. 'An Anarchist'; 21. The bomb outrage; 22. The anarchists; 23. Karl Yundt; 24. Michaelis; 25. The professor; 26. Law and order: Sir Ethelred and the Home Secretary; 27. The assistant commissioner; 28. Chief Inspector Heat; 29. Verloc; 30. A. P. Krieger - a speculation; 31. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes, Index.

Promotional Information

Professor Sherry provides an interesting blend of biographical reconstruction and investigation into the originals of the main incidents and characters - Kurtz, Nostromo, Verloc and many of the minor figures as well.

Reviews

'The promptings of genius are at all times difficult to trace and define; but by his combination of patient and probing research and psychological insight, Professor Sherry admits us to the secrets of Conrad's imagination.' Contemporary Review 'In his Introduction to this new study of Conrad's autobiographical and literary sources, Professor Sherry relates it specifically to his earlier and justly celebrated volume Conrad's Eastern World. It must be said straight away that the new book sustains the high level of detective prowess of its predecessor; one is constantly fascinated and sometimes astonished by what Professor Sherry is able to reveal.' Critical Quarterly