Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski, was a Polish-British writer whose maritime experiences deeply informed his literary output. His novels and short stories evoke the struggle of the human spirit in the face of an often indifferent universe. Conrad is widely recognized for his narrative style, rich in descriptions and psychological depth, with a mastery over English prose noteworthy for someone whose first language was not English. 'Lord Jim,' published in 1900, remains one of Conrad's most celebrated works, alongside 'Heart of Darkness' (1899), 'Nostromo' (1904), and 'The Secret Agent' (1907). 'Lord Jim' explores themes of honor, guilt, and redemption through the tale of a young seaman whose crisis at sea haunts him throughout his life. The novel is emblematic of Conrad's narrative technique, deploying a frame story and a non-linear timeline. His works reflect the complexities and ambiguities of the human condition, often delving into existential questions and the moral intricacies faced by individuals. Conrad's impact on 20th-century fiction is profound, influencing numerous writers and contributing to the emergence of modernist literature. A prolific writer, Conrad was able to interrogate the ethos of imperialism and the global consequences of colonial expansion, implications of which are still discussed in literary circles today.