“Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) has been called one of the greatest novelists in the English language. He was a personification of Europe at the turn of the 20th century: a Polish-born Russian citizen of the Ukraine, who thought in French, wrote in English, and incorporated his native Polish language into the English literary tradition. He influenced numerous writers through his works, which were explorations of the effects of colonization, globalization, and conquest by European nations on Third World nations. This book is both an introduction to and new exploration of Conrad's writings and influence, so that both novices and Conradian experts can find something of interest and insight. As with other books in the Critical Insights series, a succinct biography as well as chronology and bibliography of Conrad's life and work frame a number of essays that focus upon Conrad's major writings and influences, delving into critical contexts and readings which illustrate Conrad's immense depth and breadth of literary topos. An excellent guide to the life and works of this important writer.”