The National Library of Belarus presents a book exhibition "Singer of the Sea" dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Joseph Conrad, the world-known writer.
Joseph Conrad (born Teodor Jozef Konrad Nalecz - Korzeniowski; 1857 - 1924) is the eminent writer and classical author of the "sea" literature. His first work was published when the author was 38.
Joseph Conrad was born in 1857 in Berdichev. In 1861 his father was arrested by Tsarist Russian authorities for helping organize the Uprising of 1863-64 and exiled to Vologda and further in Ukraine. His family followed him to exile. A short time later Conrad’s parents died leaving his orphaned and he was placed in the care of his uncle. Young Conrad studied in Krakow gymnasium and then in Lvov. In 1874 at the age of 17 Conrad decided to fulfill his inmost dream - to become a seaman. He gave up studying and went to Marseille. So he left Poland forever and further he visited it only twice for a very short time. In 4 years he studied the maritime case, became a seaman and went to England where he began learning English and further he became a brilliant master of this language. Eight years after he passed an exam and became captain and the citizen of England. During 15 years of his career of a seaman he traveled all around the world. Furrowing the seas, this reserved, silent captain began writing.
In 1894 due to a grave jungle fever Conrad had to give up his career. He settled in England where he published one book after another. Sea was his perpetual love and muse. Joseph Conrad was a romanticist who created his own world. English writers created "sea" literature, but this "sea-dog" had his personal, peculiar and symbolic sea. The most part of his stories take place in distant ports and sailings. Works by Conrad combine tradition sea romanticism with serious moral and ethical problems; they are full of aspiration for the liberty and pure dream of a feat.
The National Library of Belarus offers a book exhibition "Singer of the Sea" dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the world-known writer. There are about 150 materials: books and periodicals on the writer’s life and creative work, and books, letters, citations and aphorisms by Joseph Conrad published in different years in English, German, and Polish languages.
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