Conrad was a Polish-born English novelist. His success is even more amazing since he did not learn to speak English until he was in his 20's. Conrad's narrative style places him at the beginning of the Modernist period of literature. As a young boy Conrad knew he would travel and seek adventure. He visited Africa and spent several years at sea. These adventures found themselves in to the pages of his novels and have brought those adventures to all of his readers. Conrad's autobiography is told with such literary style and compassion that it is more a work of fine literature than just an autobiography.