THE CHILDREN OF THE SEA. A Tale of the Forecastle

1898. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1898. Original pictorial light blue-grey mottled cloth.

First Edition, second issue, of the tale subsequently published as THE NIGGER OF THE "NARCISSUS." Conrad wrote this story with the "Nigger" title, but consented to change the title for the American edition (which preceded the English); "Dodd, Mead thought the English title might denote a book about a black man that would not interest American readers." Nonetheless, the original title was restored for all subsequent editions, making this variant-titled edition one of the more sought-after of Conrad's works. Due to the publication date late in the season [November 30th], two sets of the first gathering were printed, one with an 1897 title-page date, and a second with an 1898 date, resulting in two issues. The second issue, with the exception of the date on the title-page [and all edges being trimmed], is identical to the first. [quotes from Supino] This copy is from the (much scarcer) second issue, with an 1898 title page. It is in near-fine condition, unusually clean and bright (one endpaper slightly cracked, a hint of wear at the very tips); loosely inserted is a contemporary Dodd Mead marketing post card. Supino A3.1.0; Cagle A3b. Provenance: discreet bookplate of the Conrad bibliographer David J. Supino.