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pipareykir's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
paul_cornelius's review against another edition
4.0
Autobiographically inclined best describes the vignettes Conrad presents in this volume. Several of them form an arc of connected stories. All are descriptive of the ocean, the age of sail, and the men who served aboard the ships of that era. Conrad writes most majestically of the end of the age of sail, contrasting the emotional heart of sailing ships with the cold impersonal nature he saw accompanying the age of steam. So, it's no coincidence that the last pages of the book focus on Lord Nelson, the most romantic of British heroes coming out of that age.
There is something else. This volume should be read after perusing most of the rest of Conrad's work. That is, if you want to find hints and clues to the storylines he had already written by 1906 and was to write soon thereafter. For they are secreted away here, sometimes in a few lines, often in imagery, and frequently in plot.
There is something else. This volume should be read after perusing most of the rest of Conrad's work. That is, if you want to find hints and clues to the storylines he had already written by 1906 and was to write soon thereafter. For they are secreted away here, sometimes in a few lines, often in imagery, and frequently in plot.
ellisknox's review against another edition
4.0
This was originally a series of magazine articles, and it shows. But as a collection of personal reminiscences, it's fascinating. It's a vivid look at the last days of sailing ships. His descriptions of coming up the Thames and docking are memorable.
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