Chance : A Tale in Two Parts [Paul Lemperly's copy]

London: Methuen, 1914. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. First Impression, in the first published state, of the novel that revived Conrad's career, outselling all his previous publications. With cancel title leaf (dated 1914 on verso), spine brass reading "METHVEN," closed quotes after "Narcissus" in the list of Conrad's works facing the title page, 8-page catalogue dated Autumn 1913 with The Harrovians top of p. 6, and 32 pages of advertisements dated July 1913. 8vo (189 x 126mm): viii,406,[2],8,32pp. Publisher's sage green linen finish cloth, spine lettered and ornamented in gold, bottom edge untrimmed (Cagle's binding a). Book plate of renowned collector Paul Lemperly (1858-1939), whose library was sold by Parke-Bernet Galleries in 1940. Tightly bound and bright throughout (marred only by glue remnants of bookplate removal from verso of fly-leaf), and uncommon in this condition. Cagle A17a. Wise 22. Smith, p. 58. Keating, pp. 217-29. First serialized in the New York Herald, in 1912. Some 50 copies of the first issue with integral title page dated 1913 were distributed in September, before a binder's strike delayed publication until January, 1914. "Chance is another story with a complex frame narration, within which the enigmatic tale is told by Marlow but, unusually for Conrad, its main character is a woman, Flora de Barral, and part of the novel's focus is on contemporary social issues and the role fortune plays in finding success or happiness in life." (Literary Encyclopedia) Keating thought Chance (as well as The Arrow of Gold) Conrad's "finest creations," with its "so close an affinity with the art of Henry James." N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).