Chapter 1 Summary

Conceived at the turn of the century, Lord Jim is regarded as being one of Joseph Conrad's greatest works. Jim, the opening chapter reveals, is a water-clerk, and a popular person in the Eastern ports where he earns his wage. As a water-clerk, racing against those of rival ship-chandlers, it's Jim's job to sail out to meet any ship about to anchor, introduce himself and the ship-chandler for whom he works and from that moment on to serve the ship's captain in whatever capacity he may be needed.

Jim, one of five sons, spent his childhood in a parsonage until, when his predilection for the sea became evident, was sent to a training ship for officers of the mercantile marine. There, he learnt the various skills that would be required of him at sea and dreamt of the endless adventure he had read...