In 2015, a San Diego rare book collector made literary headlines with the Christie’s auction of letters, photos and other memorabilia by “To Kill a Mockingbird” author Harper Lee.The collection of personal mementos was acquired by Emory University in Atlanta and gave researchers insight into the life and mind of the reclusive author.
Conrad was born in 1857 in what is now Ukraine and is of Polish descent. As an adventurous teen he traveled to Marseilles, France, to sail on French merchant ships, then later joined the British merchant marine. His voyages and travel adventures inspired much of his work. Along with Conrad’s first book, “Almayer’s Folly,” published in 1895, the collection includes numerous first editions, special editions, autographed books, rare imprints, works exhibiting printing errors, annotated items and comic book adaptations.
Among the works Kennerson donated to Georgetown University is a 1902 special edition of “Youth: A Narrative, and Two Other Stories.” One of those two stories is the popular “Heart of Darkness,” often the Conrad work first introduced to students.