Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) is a classic of British literature, one of the pioneers of modernism, author of the story “Heart of Darkness,” which had a significant influence on the culture of the 20th century. Eight stories, published in Russian for the first time, highlight the main themes of Conrad’s work: sea adventures and exotic countries (“The Accomplice” and “All Because of the Dollars”), the clash between bourgeois society and the revolutionary movements of the early 20th century (“The Anarchist”, “ Informant"), the fate of the writer's native Poland ("Prince Roman"), problems of ethical choice ("Fairy Tale", "Return"). The collection also includes “Personal Matter” - the only autobiography and a kind of creative and civic credo of Conrad.