Joseph Conrad : Critical Assessments

This set of volumes on Joseph Conrad is part of the "Critical Assessments of Writers in English" series, the aim of which is to provide complete collections of previously published, formative critical assessments covering the whole work of individual writers.

They should be useful to serious readers of literature, researchers and advanced students. Many of the pieces included were originally published in journals or books which are now out of print or very difficult to obtain.

Each set has an authoritative introductory survey, as well as a full bibliography and biographical details. Volume one begins with Conrad's "Polish Heritage": extracts from seminal collections demonstrating the familial and national tensions in his life.

The 26 "Memories and Impressions" follow the chronology of Conrad's life.

Then come contemporary reviews and reactions to his work as it was published.

Finally, after essays on the three critics who did much to establish Conrad as a major writer, a section on the early critical response (1911-47). Volumes two and three contains essays on all Conrad's works from "Almayer's Folley" (1895) to the posthumous "The Sisters", including three items on Conrad's plays.

The essays on a particular work are arranged chronologically so that changes in critical approach and opinion can be followed.

The response of the Third World to "Heart of Darkness" is given special prominence. Volume four covers Conrad's collaborations with Ford Madox Ford, the issue of "impressionism" as an influence on and explanation of Conrad's style and narrative techniques, critical reaction in Russia, France and America and his influence on American writers and French philosophers.

The largest section is devoted to "The Modern Critical Response" (1948-1992).