The Secret Agent

By Joseph Conrad

"The Secret Agent" takes places in London in 1886 and tells the story of Adolf Verloc, a businessman and secret agent. Verloc is part of a group of anarchists who believe in overthrowing the government and who also function as somewhat ineffective terrorists. The group mainly produces anarchist pamphlets called 'F.P.' (The Future of the Proletariat) and hold private meetings among themselves.

First published in 1907, Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" is considered by many literary critics and scholars to be among Conrad's finest novels and one of the first works of English literature to seriously explore the subject of terrorism. The novel is also regarded by many scholars to be one of the first espionage novels of the 20th century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E-BOOKARAMA
• Release date: Mar 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9788834115930

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.