An Introduction to Conrad’s The Secret Agent

In this short piece, Elaine Connell discusses Joseph Conrad’s remarkable life, his adventures, learning English as a young man and being a Polish immigrant. She briefly summarises the story of the book, considers the themes and characters, and some points of controversy. 


Elaine Connell was a teacher and writer who died aged 54 in 2007. Best known for her work on Sylvia Plath, she left this introduction to Joseph Conrad’s great work.