Youth & Heart of Darkness

Written by Joseph Conrad

Narrated by Brian Cox

In these two magnificent novellas Conrad explores the question of self-discovery through powerful and exciting narratives in Youth, the experienced seaman Marlow tells the story of a young man’s coming of age on his first voyage to the East. While in Heart of Darkness he describes with terrifying depth and vividness the slide into corruption of an idealistic trader – Kurtz, who has become the demi-devil of the Inner Station in the Belgian Congo…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Nov 1, 1996
• ISBN: 9789629544812

Joseph Conrad

Joseph Conrad was born to Polish parents in the Ukraine on 3rd December 1857. He grew up surrounded by upheaval. His father was exiled to northern Russia for political activities and although they eventually returned to Poland, Conrad was orphaned by the age of 11. Subsequently he was taught by his uncle, a great influence and mentor. Leaving for Marseilles in 1874, Conrad began his training as a seaman. After an attempt at suicide, Conrad joined the British merchant navy and became a British subject in 1886. After his first novel, Almayer's Folly was published in 1895 he left the sea behind and settled down to a life of writing. Indeed, as his wife wrote in 1927, he would move only "from his table to his bed, for days and days on end". Troubled financially for many years, he faced uncomplimentary critics and an indifferent public. He finally became a popular success with Chance (1913). By the end of his life on 3rd August 1924 his status as one of the great writers of his time was assured.

Reviews for Youth & Heart of Darkness

[Stephen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing story-telling by arguably the best narrator in the world. This is one of my favorite audiobooks.