Books with title Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness is considered one of the top 100 most well-written English novels of the 20th century, and as you begin reading through it, you will definitely have a clear glimpse as to why that is. Conrad uses this somewhat shorter, but no less insightful novel – when compared to many of his other works – to introduce readers to one of the central themes he engages in throughout his literary career: the fact that the “civilized” world and the world of the so-called savages of Africa is not all that different, the story forming a truly compelling parallel between the two. Heart of Darkness introduces Marlow, the narrator and main character of Conrad's story, who meets up with a few of his friends aboard Nellie, a boat anchored on the River Thames, in London. The story he recounts is mainly about Mr. Kurtz, a well-respected trading agent in charge of trading ivory brought from Africa. Kurtz's methods, far from being as respectable as his reputation, leave Marlow feeling contempt and even drawing the conclusion that Kurtz has “gone mad” as he hears of his plans in dealing with the African natives. From attacks on the steamboat, to beautiful native women and conflicts of opinion that may save or threaten the lives of many, the story has virtually everything readers can think of when envisioning a truly fulfilling and insightful novel. What's even more impressive, however, is Conrad's ability to animate his stories, events and characters into a well-orchestrated, believable plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat throughout the read, while joining the narrator in tackling the real life issues of racism, greed and imperialism. While Heart of Darkness is not necessarily among Conrad's longest or most comprehensive novels, it is certainly among the most insightful and overall best works that the Polish-British author had produced throughout his career, right alongside Nostromo, Lord Jim and The Secret Agent.

Brian Porter is obese. Not plump, not overweight, not even fat—obese. He’s struggled with his weight and its consequences all his life. School is a nonstop stream of aggressive bullying by both his peers and teachers. To top it off, his embarrassed family barely acknowledges Brian’s presence.When bully Chris Miller challenges Brian to enter the neighborhood’s scariest house, Brian can’t say no. Not only has Chris promised to leave Brian alone all summer if he does, but it also might make a good impression on his new friend Sarah.However, the former best friends quickly discover the reason behind the home’s evil reputation: a pair of hidden vampires. In the ensuing chaos, Chris is captured, while a pair of werewolves save Brian in the nick of time—by turning him into one of them.Now Brian’s in a world he never knew existed, with a new, strong body and a host of unlikely allies. It’s his destiny to revitalize the Holy Warriors, a once great werewolf order sworn to protect the world from vampire domination. But its leaders have become corrupt—and worse, they want Brian dead. He’d prefer to keep on living.

Charles Marlow is a steamboat captain on the River Thames near Gravesend England. He and his crew work for an ivory trading company. One day he recounts to his fellow crew the story of his life and how he became a captain for the steam boat company. The focus of his story involves the journey Marlow undertook to the outer reaches of the company's operations. Here he tells of his wild encounters with Mr. Kurtz, a man with a great reputation for bringing in the most ivory for the company. Kurtz is widely respected by the natives, yet Marlow has some differing opinions as he struggles to understand Kurtz's way of life, while uncovering secrets about the strange way Kurtz conducts his business.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

First published in 1886, Heart of Darkness depicts the journey of Marlow travelling up the Congo River on behalf of a Belgian ivory trading company. He encounters Kurtz, a trader who exercises a misterious influence over the inhabitants of the region. Repelled and fascinated by the man, Marlow is brought face to face with the corruption and despair at the heart of human existence…