Joseph Conrad's Dark Satire and Political Novel

First published in 1907, this novel is set in London in 1886 and centers around Mr. Adolf Verloc, who works as a spy for an unnamed country (presumably Russia).

The novel is dedicated to H. G. Wells and explores themes such as anarchism, espionage, and terrorism. It also examines the exploitation of the vulnerable, particularly in Verloc's relationship with his brother-in-law Stevie, who has a learning difficulty.

Conrad's gloomy portrait of London, as depicted in the novel, was influenced by Charles Dickens' Bleak House.