THE SECRET AGENT. A Drama in Three Acts [1/1000 copies signed].

Conrad, Joseph

London: Privately Printed for Subscribers only by T. Werner Laurie, 1923. Original parchment-backed boards with spine label, with dust jacket.

First Published Edition -- being one of 1000 numbered copies signed by Conrad (this being #425). Preceded by a 52-copy private issue ("... in Four Acts", Canterbury 1922), this was Conrad's dramatization of his 1907 novel of the same name. For this signed edition, it was decided to combine the short third act into the second (as Act II Scene III): hence the reduced number of acts. The play was a flop; Conrad later sniped, "I was amused by their [the critics'] touching unanimity in damning the play. It was like a chorus of parrots."

Except for a bump at the foot of the spine, this volume is in fine condition, with the duplicate spine label still bound in at the rear; the dust jacket is very good-plus (very minor edge-wear, a small lightened area at the top of the spine, spine sunned as always). Cagle A54b. Item #15785

Price: $525.00