Discover a collection of gripping tales of revolution, betrayal, and honor in Joseph Conrad’s ‘A Set of Six’ and read the complete book online for free.
Published in 1908, A Set of Six is a compelling collection of short stories and novellas by Joseph Conrad that explores his signature themes of political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the loneliness of the human soul. The six tales are set against a backdrop of revolutionary Europe and South America, featuring a cast of anarchists, spies, aristocrats, and exiles. While not as famous as his longer works like Heart of Darkness, this collection showcases Conrad’s masterful ability to compress profound psychological and political drama into taut, suspenseful narratives. From the psychological duel of “The Duel” (which inspired Ridley Scott’s film The Duellists) to the tragic farce of “The Informer,” each story is a meticulously crafted gem.
The collection includes tales of obsession, like “Gaspar Ruiz,” a story of superhuman strength and tragic loyalty during the South American wars of independence, and “Il Conde,” a chilling account of a refined gentleman victimized by a young criminal in Naples. Conrad’s profound skepticism of political ideologies—both revolutionary and reactionary—pervades the book. He is less interested in the causes than in the human cost: the betrayals, the shattered ideals, and the quiet desperation of individuals caught in historical currents they cannot control.
A Set of Six offers a panoramic view of Conrad’s artistic preoccupations. His prose is, as always, rich, atmospheric, and morally complex. The stories demonstrate his unparalleled skill at building suspense through psychological insight rather than mere plot mechanics. For readers who appreciate Conrad’s nuanced exploration of darkness and his gift for vivid, unsettling storytelling, this collection is an essential and deeply satisfying read.
On this page, you can delve into these lesser-known but masterful Conrad stories. We offer the complete 1908 collection for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | A Set of Six |
| Author | Joseph Conrad |
| Year of Publication | 1908 |
| Genre | Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Adventure |
| Language | English (Original) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read A Set of Six Online
Enter Conrad’s world of revolution and honor. Begin this collection with the first gripping tale, presented interactively below.
This preview introduces one of Conrad’s tense narratives, but the full set of six—each a unique study in obsession and consequence—is available in the complete book for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this Conrad collection and our entire library of classic short fiction and adventure. Experience the range of a master storyteller.
About A Set of Six
Each story in the collection is a self-contained world, yet they are united by Conrad’s relentless inquiry into the nature of loyalty, the illusion of political ideals, and the solitude of the individual.
Key Stories in the Collection
- “The Duel” (originally “The Point of Honor”): A brilliant study of absurd obsession, tracing a decades-long feud between two Napoleonic officers driven by a rigid, pathological code of honor. It is a masterpiece of irony and psychological realism.
- “The Informer”: A darkly comic tale set among London anarchists, exposing the hypocrisy and vanity of revolutionaries who are more in love with their own self-image than with any cause.
- “Il Conde”: A seemingly simple story of a robbery that becomes a profound study of vulnerability, shame, and the irreversible violation of a peaceful life. It is one of Conrad’s most chilling and perfect short works.
- “Gaspar Ruiz”: An epic tale of a man of immense physical strength and simple heart, used as a tool by opposing forces in a civil war, culminating in a scene of tragic, almost mythic power.
Themes of Political and Personal Betrayal
Conrad, who lived through an era of political upheaval, had a deep distrust of all ideologies. In these stories, revolutionary circles are shown to be hotbeds of paranoia and betrayal (“The Informer”), and even noble causes are corrupted by personal ambition and cruelty (“Gaspar Ruiz”). The true conflict is often not between political sides, but between the individual’s need for dignity and the crushing, impersonal forces of history and society.
Conrad’s Narrative Mastery
These stories showcase Conrad’s ability to create immense atmosphere and psychological depth in a limited space. His use of framing devices, unreliable narrators, and layered points of view adds complexity and invites the reader to question the motives and truths presented. The prose is dense, evocative, and demands close attention, rewarding the reader with profound insights.
Why Read A Set of Six Today?
In an age of polarized politics and ideological certainty, Conrad’s skeptical, humanist perspective is a vital corrective. He reminds us that behind every “ism” are flawed, complicated individuals. The stories are also timeless explorations of universal themes: honor, shame, loyalty, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
For lovers of literary fiction, the collection is a masterclass in the short story form. To read A Set of Six is to spend time in the company of one of literature’s greatest minds, exploring the dark corners of the human heart with unflinching intelligence and artistic grace.
FAQ
Can I read A Set of Six for free?
Yes, you can read the first story for free via our interactive preview. Access to the complete collection of six tales requires a subscription.
Is this a good introduction to Joseph Conrad?
Yes, the shorter length of these stories makes them a more accessible entry point than his dense novels. They contain all his major themes and stylistic hallmarks in a concentrated form.
What is the connection to the film The Duellists?
Ridley Scott’s 1977 debut film is a direct and faithful adaptation of Conrad’s story “The Duel,” capturing its obsessive, cyclical nature and period detail beautifully.
Are the stories connected?
No, they are entirely separate in plot and character. They are connected thematically by Conrad’s exploration of honor, politics, and isolation.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. The story-based format is perfect for reading one complete tale at a time on any device.