Unique Elements Detailed 19th-Century Historical Map Book 2 of the Lingard Trilogy Explore the wonders and magic of this unforgettable masterpiece and take an exhilarating step back in time! Synopsis: An Outcast of the Islands by Joseph Conrad, first published in 1896, was inspired by Conrad's experience as mate of a steamer, the Vidar . The story centers on the unraveling of Peter Willems, a shameful and immoral man who, on the run from a scandal in Makassar, and marooned by his own people on the shore of a Malayan Island, is trapped in the grip of his own vulnerability and corruption. He finds a haven in a hidden native village, only to betray his allies over his desire for the tribal chief's daughter. The tale includes Conrad's recurring character Tom Lingard, who also appears in Almayer's Folly (1895) and The Rescue (1920). Excerpt: ‘Tom Lingard was a master, a lover, a servant of the sea. The sea took him young, fashioned him body and soul; gave him his fierce aspect, his loud voice, his fearless eyes, his stupidly guileless heart. Generously it gave him his absurd faith in himself, his universal love of creation, his wide indulgence, his contemptuous severity, his straightforward simplicity of motive and honesty of aim. Having made him what he was, womanlike, the sea served him humbly and let him bask unharmed in the sunshine of its terribly uncertain favour. Tom Lingard grew rich on the sea and by the sea. He loved it with the ardent affection of a lover, he made light of it with the assurance of perfect mastery, he feared it with the wise fear of a brave man, and he took liberties with it as a spoiled child might do with a paternal and good-natured ogre. He was grateful to it, with the gratitude of an honest heart. His greatest pride lay in his profound conviction of its faithfulness—in the deep sense of his unerring knowledge of its treachery.’