Product Description

One of the greatest political novels in any language, Nostromo reenacts the establishment of modern capitalism in a remote South American province locked between the Andes and the Pacific. In the harbor town of Sulaco, a vivid cast of characters is caught up in a civil war to decide whether
its fabulously wealthy silver mine, funded by American money but owned by a third-generation English immigrant, can be preserved from the hands of venal politicians. Greed and corruption seep into the lives of everyone, and Nostromo, the principled foreman of the mine, is tested to the limit.
Conrad's evocation of Latin America--its grand landscapes, the ferocity of its politics, and the tenacity of individuals swept up in imperial ambitions--has never been bettered. This edition features a new introduction with fresh historical and interpretative perspectives, as well as detailed
explanatory notes which pay special attention to the literary, political, historical, and geographical allusions and implications of the novel. A map, a chronology of the narrative, a glossary of foreign terms, and an appendix reprinting the serial ending all complement what is sure to be the
definitive edition of this classic work.

Product Details

• Published on: 1994-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 1 pages

From Library Journal
This involved, philosophical novel is not for the casual listener, especially one who is supposed to be concentrating on the road ahead. Writing in 1904, Conrad invented a complex South American country with a turbulent history and a potentially explosive population, ranging from the wealthy gringo running the Sulaco silver mine to the poorest worker loading cargo on the docks. Although the story teems with lively characters, the dazzling figure of Nostromo eclipses them all. A natural leader?brave, handsome, and incorruptible?he naturally becomes the epicenter of the revolution that soon devastates Sulaco. With characteristic eloquence, Conrad has focused on the dramatic action of the revolution to explore challenging themes: capitalism, imperialism, revolution, and social justice. Unfortunately, this audio program, read by Frederick Davidson, is disappointing. Despite fine dramatic characterizations, the narrator's posh British accent is so pronounced that it often detracts from the text. Since Nostromo has also been narrated by Frank Muller (Recorded Books) and Wolfram Kandinsky (Books on TapeR), perhaps this version may not be the best choice.?Jo Carr, Sarasota, Fla.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
This abridgment of Joseph Conrad's classic keeps in mind that the story is as much about the fictional province of Sulaco and the San Tome silver mine as it is about Nostromo, the "incorruptible" sailor who ends up concealing a fortune in silver. Although Nostromo is a presence throughout the novel, his tale actually begins on Side six. It preserves much of Conrad's fine detail, background history of Sulaco, and prose style, making the listener almost forget that this is an abridgment. Joss Ackland speaks Conrad's descriptive passages with a clear, refined voice that brings an authoritative air to this fictional history, while giving its main characters rougher voices. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Ingram
In Nostromo, Conrad paints in shocking detail the insidious effects of greed and exploitation. When the silver mines of the South American republic of Costaguana are threatened by rebel forces, a brave captain, Nostromo, steps in and offers to bury the silver to ensure its safety. Conrad uses the violence of Latin American politics to focus his pessimistic vision on the tragic and brutal essence of human nature itself. 4 cassettes.