Joseph Conrad published his first novel (Almayer's Folly) in 1895 at the age of 36. Before that he spent twenty years in the merchant navy, eventually gaining his master's certificate. This book traces Conrad's career at sea. It is based on a previously unpublished study by the author's late father, Alan Villiers. It describes Conrad's life as a mariner and shows his development as a novelist. There is an appendix containing a detailed account of the merchant service in the late 19th century, especially the reality and danger of life at sea. The book is illustrated with paintings of the ships in which Conrad sailed; the artist is Mark Myers, who served at sea under Alan Villiers and regarded him as his mentor. There is a glossary of terms at the back, and a short index.