An Outcast of the Islands

First Edition, First Printing, of Conrad's second book. Very good in original dark green cloth, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed, with a narrow inch-long break in the cloth at lower rear joint. Binding is tight and very slightly cocked. Presents quite well despite this small items. First edition points: 'this' for 'their' on p. 26, l. 31; 'Absolution' for 'ablution' p. 110, l. 12; '9' missing on p. 129; and 'hate' for 'fate' on p. 356, l. 26. Title page in red and black. [ii, ads], [vi], 391, [1] pp. 1 vols. 8vo (200 x 135 mm). 'The publication of Conrad's second book was plagued with problems. A fire destroyed the original electrotype plates late in 1895 and the book was hastily reset and proofed, leaving in an inordinate number of typos and dropped letters. The number of copies printed is unknown. Contemporary (1896) previous ownership signature on front free endpaper, otherwise very good in original dark green cloth, top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed, with a narrow inch-long break in the cloth at lower rear. Octavo. 391 pp. A wonderful copy.