Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born British novelist and short story writer. He is best known for his novels Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, and The Secret Agent. His works often explore the themes of colonialism, morality, and the human condition. Conrad was born in Berdichev, Ukraine, and moved to England in 1874. He joined the British merchant navy and traveled extensively, visiting many parts of the world. His experiences in the Far East and Africa provided the inspiration for many of his works. Conrad's writing style is characterized by its complexity and psychological depth. He often used symbolism and irony to explore the darker aspects of human nature. His works are often seen as a critique of colonialism and imperialism. Conrad's influence on literature is immense. He is considered one of the greatest English-language novelists of all time, and his works have been adapted into numerous films and television series. His influence can be seen in the works of many modern authors, including T.S. Eliot, Graham Greene, and V.S. Naipaul.