Joseph Conrad, the well-known British writer of Polish descent, is the author of several finely crafted short stories. The stories in this collection showcase his skill for painting vivid portraits of dangerous life at sea as well as in far-flung places across the globe. Conrad?s keen observational skills make the setting come alive. The sea and the lives of seamen play a prominent role in stories such as ?The Secret Sharer?, ?The Lagoon?, ?Youth?, and ?An Outpost of Progress?. The eternal struggle between man and nature as well as the contradictory impulses that drive human nature are explored with verve, dramatic flair, and deep insight in ?The Informer and Because of the Dollar?. Conrad, the master storyteller, is notable for the richness of his language, the explosive drama, and the intricate plots he weaves in every story, making this a highly readable collection.