Joseph Conrad 
An Outpost of Progress (Annotated) 

• This edition includes the following editor’s introduction: The importance of water in the literature of Joseph Conrad

First published in 1896, ’An Outpost of Progress’ is both a psychological thriller and a political statement by British author Joseph Conrad, regarded as one of the greatest novelists to write in the English language.



Conrad gives an account of two white traders, Carlier and Kayerts, who are out- posted in Africa at a trading station. Although the Europeans do trade goods, their underlying purpose is to export ’
civilization, ’ from Europe to Africa. Carlier and Kayerts are living in colonial times. England and other European countries have control over Africa. The native people are seen as in need of being civilized.



’An Outpost of Progress’ has frequently been compared to Conrad’s novella ’Heart of Darkness’ and the author cited the short story as the best of his pieces.