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Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was born in Berdychiv, Ukraine and had an unconventional childhood. His father was a writer and political activist who harshly criticized the Russian government. The family constantly traveled and by age 11, Conrad had lost both parents to tuberculosis. He spent his formative years with an uncle before embarking on a career as a merchant marine. During his downtown, Conrad would write stories inspired by his many experiences. His first novel, Almayer's Folly, was published in 1895 followed by his most acclaimed works, Lord Jim (1900) and Heart of Darkness (1902).