Very Good: Publisher’s original cloth binding displays light wear at the extremities, with bumping and rubbing to the corners. Small splits present at the joints, though the binding remains firm and secure. Gilt lettering to the spine somewhat softened but fully legible; black lettering, decorative borders, and other design elements across the boards and spine remain sharp and well-defined. Light handling marks and age-related wear present across the boards, though clean overall. Binding slightly shelf-cocked, though tight and sound. Text block shows expected signs of age but remains notably clean for the period. Front endpapers and preliminary leaves slightly loose at the gutters. Internally, contents otherwise remain tightly bound, clean, and tidy throughout.
First edition, first issue published by J. M. Dent & Sons, London, 1917. One of the major later works of Joseph Conrad, issued during the final phase of his literary career. First-issue copies of The Shadow-Line are highly desirable among Conrad collectors, particularly when retaining the original decorative cloth binding.
Often regarded as one of Conrad’s most personal novels, The Shadow-Line explores the transition from youth to maturity through the experiences of a young sea captain confronting responsibility, isolation, and adversity at sea. Combining psychological depth with Conrad’s mastery of maritime narrative, the work remains a cornerstone of twentieth-century literary fiction.