Heart Of Darkness: Original Version. Annotated with Historical Background Paperback – August 17, 2023

As at least one other reader has noted, the "annotation" material is only a very poorly written Preface. It isn't even grammatically correct, and in at least one sentence there are three words missing altogether! This "annotation" is attributed to no one, which could lead one to assume Conrad wrote it himself. I think it might have been AI or Chat generated. Amazon should stop selling this edition, or at least require the description to reveal the truth. My advice: buy a different edition from a reputable source!

The book was delivered in brand new condition without any damage. Very please with that. But, I bought this version of Heart of Darkness due to the marketing of the annotation providing historical context. The annotation consisted of an 8 page, sophomore high school level preface followed by the complete novel. I think the author’s or publisher’s business model is to sell paperbacks of novels in the public domain, tacking on a poorly written “annotation” to distinguish itself from the other sellers of this same novel. Worked in this case . . . I’m reading the book, so I won’t return it.

Book falls apart

It would have been nice had it been a longer story, not so short, and had better formatting, as I found the spaces between paragraphs somewhat distracting. I gave 4 Stars, though, because it is a good book, and credit to the author as it cannot be easy to write any novel, let alone a historical one.

I am a history buff, fascinated by the great Age of Discovery in particular. Novels that relate to this age are usually telling the tales of great, honorable, valiant seafaring explorers and adventurers. Conrad's classic tells you a different story, which is historically more accurate but it is dark and ominous. His writing style is a little too complicated for my liking but otherwise beautifully written, with amazing descriptions and the story itself would keep you turning the pages. The historical connotation is also great! Definitely recommend, it is well worth it!

An authentic and frightening tale of a boat trip up the River Congo in the 19th Century revealing to the author, and described by him at the time, and to us today the horrors of colonial exploitation and abuse. How such 'horrors' distort and ultimately ruin all involved. Destroying innocence and humanity.The historical information supports the authenticity and gives the context.

This book kept me captivated!