Heart of Darkness

Heart of Darkness (1899) is a short novel by Polish novelist Joseph Conrad. It explores the nature of evil and the darkness that lurks in the hearts of men. The story centers on Charles Marlow and his journey up the Congo river in central Africa, in search of a mysterious ivory transporter named Mr. Kurtz who has gone missing. Conrad's work is often considered to be one of the finest examples of literature written in English—with its vivid depiction of the horrors of colonialism—and has received much critical acclaim for its language and imagery.