This was a re-read, tackled Typhoon and Nigger of the 'Narcissus' while on the submarine. Both of those stories were familiar, with 'Amy Foster' and 'Falk' welcome additions. One can almost imagine Conrad flexing and stretching while writing these, with the best yet to come. ( )

It is a classic sea yarn that describes how Captain Macwhirr sails the Siamese steamer Nan-Shan into a typhoon. Other characters include the young Jukes and Solomon, the head engineer. The novel classically evokes the sea-faring life at the turn of the century.
On the surface an adventure novel, the book contains many interwoven themes including:
* In a dangerous situation, people will follow someone showing certainty even if the source of the certainty is dubious.
* Lack of imagination can place one in as much danger as lack of experience.