
A FAMILIAR PREFACE
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In this compact, conversational memoir a writer turns the act of speaking into a meditation on the very power of language. He argues that a single word, chosen and voiced just right, can move nations, while reflection often pales beside sound. With a wry tone and a hint of self‑irony, he explains why he finally gave in to the gentle pressure of friends urging him to record his thoughts. His reflections are peppered with anecdotes from history and his own misadventures, making the philosophical tone feel intimate.
The pages wander through the paradox of honesty versus self‑indulgence, recalling ancient sages, the weight of heroic truth, and the everyday modesty that steadies a creator’s heart. He reveals how his friendships have been forged in the very stories he tells, and why a novelist is both present and hidden within his own fiction. Listeners will find a sincere, thought‑provoking companion that celebrates the simple, resonant beauty of a well‑placed word.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (252K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Judith Boss and David Widger
Release date
2006-01-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1924
Best known for sea-haunted fiction and moral suspense, this Polish-born British writer turned life at sea into unforgettable novels. His stories, including Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, and The Secret Agent, helped reshape modern fiction.
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