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Heart of Darkness

By Joseph Conrad
Series: Collins Classics
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3.43 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a gripping novella that follows Charles Marlow, a sailor, as he embarks on a voyage up the Congo River into the African interior. The journey becomes an exploration of the darkest aspects of imperialism and human nature, centred around the enigmatic figure of Kurtz, an ivory trader whose powerful influence and obsessions change Marlow’s perspective forever.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by tales of exploration and moral ambiguity, as it delves into the journey of a man travelling deep into the Congo River basin, confronting the darkness within humanity and the colonial era's complexities. The story is renowned for its atmospheric prose and psychological depth, appealing to those who appreciate classics that challenge perceptions of civilisation and savagery.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

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.

Series: Collins Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is often praised for its exploration of colonialism and the human psyche. Reviews highlight its vivid imagery and complex narrative structure, with many readers appreciating its depth and the way it confronts moral ambiguity. Some critiques mention its dense language, which may challenge readers, but it's widely regarded as a significant literary work for its historical and thematic insights.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007368624

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 July 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 9.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 178.0mm

Weight: 90g

Pages: 144

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Joseph Conrad Literary Fiction Series: Collins Classics

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.

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