Heart of Darkness (Collins Classics)

Joseph Conrad

Nov 2010 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this ebook

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‘The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.’

At the peak of European Imperialism, steamboat captain Charles Marlow travels deep into the African Congo on his way to relieve the elusive Mr Kurtz, an ivory trader renowned for his fearsome reputation. On his journey into the unknown Marlow takes a terrifying trip into his own subconscious, overwhelmed by his menacing, perilous and horrifying surroundings.

The landscape and the people he meets force him to reflect on human nature and society, and in turn Conrad writes revealingly about the dangers of imperialism.

Ratings and reviews

A great piece of literature, an absolute classic. Marlow's journey takes him to the heart of deepest darkest Africa and to the heart of darkness which is really a reflection of man's own darkness of heart. The things that people do and say to further their own ambitions irrespective of the cost or cruelty to others. The character Kurtz seems to be someone we all know, the high flying corporate man who can seemingly do no wrong. He is the perfect focus to bring forth the heart of darkness.

Of the small number of fiction reads I give time to, this one has haunted me to finish since high school--4 attempts by paperback. Diction used here is incredibly vivid and palpable!

Great book, but the critical essays in this edition are very poor.

About the author

Polish born Joseph Conrad is regarded as a highly influential author and his works are seen as a precursor to modernist literature. His often tragic insight into the human condition in novels such as Heart of Darkness and The Secret Agent is unrivalled by his contemporaries.