Joseph Conrad 
Youth 
Autobiographical Work, Including Heart of Darkness + The Author’s Note

Joseph Conrad’s ‘Youth’ is a compelling novella that follows the journey of a young man named Marlow who embarks on a voyage to the East Indies. The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the sea and explores themes of youth, exploration, and the passage of time. Conrad’s elegant prose and captivating narrative style draw the reader into a world of adventure and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of the British maritime tradition, ‘Youth’ reflects Conrad’s own experiences as a sailor and offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the uncertainties of youth. This work showcases Conrad’s masterful storytelling and his ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche. Readers will be transported to a bygone era of seafaring adventures and philosophical introspection, making ‘Youth’ a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

About the author

Joseph Conrad, born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in Berdyczów, Russian Empire (now Berdychiv, Ukraine), was a literary colossus of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Conrad’s narrative style and anti-heroic characters have placed him as a forefather of modernist literature. His works often delve into the complexities of the human psyche and the ambiguities of moral righteousness. Conrad’s experiences in the French and especially British merchant navies offered him a unique perspective on human nature, and this is evident in his writing. His novels often explore the struggles of man against the forces of nature as well as the human condition itself. ‘Youth’, a semi-autobiographical short story published in 1898, reflects Conrad’s experiences at sea and is exemplary of his lyrical and sophisticated narrative style. It is in this narrative, alongside notable works such as ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899) and ‘Lord Jim’ (1900), that Conrad’s thematic concerns of betrayal, guilt, and existential angst are vividly brought to life. Conrad’s ability to weave complex narratives with intricately developed characters has made his literature a staple in discussions of Western literature. His influence on the modernist novel is profound, with many later writers, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and T.S. Eliot, recognizing Conrad’s significant impact on their own work. Conrad continued to write until his death on August 3, 1924, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.