The Craft of Conrad

Driven by concern for the tortuous human pursuit of "ideal values," Joseph Conrad sometimes tell more than he shows. He indulged his talent for abstract speculation, and critics often follow that lead. They fix their attention on broad themes (imperialism, nihilism, etc.), with only passing reference to literary strategies. But fiction is not philosophy. This study, rather than rehashing the "big ideas" that preoccupy most commentators, focuses on technique.

Leonard Moss is emeritus professor of English and comparative literature, Suny Geneseo.