Joseph Conrad: The Masterworks (Vol. III): Contains "The Duel," "The Secret Agent," and "The Shadow-Line"

Joseph Conrad still stands as one of the undisputed titans of English literature. Sadly, today Conrad has largely disappeared from the high place in literary criticism and school curricula that he used to occupy. The Masterworks series aims to remedy this by introducing the joys of Joseph Conrad's works to a new generation of readers. Volume I covered his legendary short stories, including Heart of Darkness and Typhoon, while Volume II contained his most renowned novels, Lord Jim and Nostromo.

Volume III represents a more eclectic collection of Conrad's work. It opens with The Duel, a wonderful (and true) short story about the deadly rivalry between two proud Napoleonic Era officers. Then follows The Secret Agent, Conrad's eternal study of terrorism and terrorists. Finally, the book closes with The Shadow-Line, a little-known but masterful story about a Captain's first voyage.

Together, these works offer readers a deeper look at Conrad and the brilliant, unsentimental worlds he created, worlds we must still navigate today.