The Nigger of the Narcissus
A Tale of the Forecastle
The Nigger of the Narcissus, published in 1897, is Joseph Conrad's novel of a merchant ship's voyage from Bombay to London. Its title uses a racial slur common in Conrad's day; it was first published in the United States as The Children of the Sea. Just before sailing, James Wait, a Black seaman from the West Indies, joins the crew and announces that he is dying. Whether he is truly ill or shamming, his presence divides the forecastle, and the agitator Donkin uses the men's pity and fear to stir up trouble, while a storm off the Cape nearly sinks the ship. Conrad's preface, with its aim "to make you see," became a statement of his artistic creed. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Nigger of the Narcissus
The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Nigger of the Narcissus online?
Yes. The Nigger of the Narcissus opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Nigger of the Narcissus free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Nigger of the Narcissus is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Nigger of the Narcissus in the public domain?
Yes. The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Nigger of the Narcissus?
About 3 h 39 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Nigger of the Narcissus?
The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad is filed under "Adventure" in the Vinteuil library.
