The French Face of Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad has generally been regarded as a novelist with "dual" Polish and English national affinities. This study argues for a triple identity by introducing the French face of Conrad's work, demonstrating that his knowledge of the French language and its literature has profound implications for the study of the novels. Yves Hervouet documents chronologically the influence of French authors including Flaubert, Maupassant and Anatole France, building up a picture of Conrad at work. This first large-scale account of Conrad's involvement with a French literary, aesthetic and philosophical tradition provokes an important reassessment of his creative originality. It should have a major impact on Conrad scholarship, and as a study of cross-cultural influence, it will be of interest to all students of comparative literature in the period.