Joseph Conrad and Liverpool

Joseph Conrad and Liverpool

Would you be surprised to find out that Joseph Conrad was Polish?

Did you know that one of Conrad’s books inspired Apocalypse Now and another inspired Bob Dylan's 'Rolling Thunder' tour?

Do you know Conrad's relationship with Liverpool and that he referenced the city numerous times in his writing?

This year marks the centenary of Joseph Conrad’s death and there will be events held across England to mark this occasion. Merseyside Polonia is honoured, to host in Liverpool, Professor Robert Hampson, FEA, FRSA, the Chair of the Joseph Conrad Society (UK).

We invite you for a special presentation at the Hornby Room at the Central Library where Prof. Hampson will describe Conrad’s journey, starting in Berdychiv (Polish Berdyczów), currently part of Ukraine, his work as a sailor, becoming a Merchant Navy Officer and his contribution to the war efforts in World War 1. You will have an opportunity to find out more about his connections with Liverpool and how he portrays the city in his fictional stories. The lecture will also look at Conrad’s family background, the part played by his parents in Poland’s struggle for independence, his negotiation with his Polish heritage and Conrad’s return visit to Poland in 1914, which led to his subsequent promotion of an independent Poland.

Professor Robert Hampson is the author of a number of books on Conrad and numerous articles. His most recent books include a short critical biography, Joseph Conrad (Reaktion Books, 2020); the co-edited volume, The Reception of Joseph Conrad in Europe (Bloomsbury, 2022); the monograph, Joseph Conrad: from cosmopolitanism to transnational activism (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024); and the co-edited volume, Joseph Conrad’s Cultural Legacy (Bloomsbury, 2024).

The doors open at 5.30pm and we will start promptly at 6pm. All are welcome.

This event is organised with financial support from Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom