Joseph Conrad Biographical Information

Birth & Early Childhood Born Jozef Teodor Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski –December 3, 1857 –Near Berdichiu in Ukraine (Polish)

Parents Educated Land-owning Fought for independence Father – Apollo – was exiled to Vologda in northern Russia Mother – Evelina – died in 1865 (when Conrad was just 8 years old) Father died in 1869 (when Conrad was 12) After parents died, moved to Krakow, Poland to live with uncle Spent time reading Dickens & Victor Hugo & dreaming of sailing the seas

Young Adulthood In 1874 received uncle’s permission to join French merchant navy Later joined English merchant navy –Visited Australia, South America, India, Borneo, & South Pacific –Was made master of his own ship Became a British subject Changed name to Joseph Conrad Traveled to Africa in 1890 & ventured up the Congo River with Belgian colonial service –Contracted malaria, which plagued him for years

Later Life Retired from seafaring in 1894 Married in 1896 – later had 2 sons Settled permanently in England Began writing career Finally achieved financial security, fame, & critical acclaim (he’d had this almost from the start) Died August 3, 1924 (67 years old)