Joseph Conrad was a Polish-British writer and one of the greatest novelists to write in the English language, despite it being his third language. Born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in what is now Ukraine, Conrad's experiences as a sailor deeply influenced his writing. His works, often set against the backdrop of the sea, explore themes of human nature, colonialism, and existentialism. Heart of Darkness is among his most acclaimed works, noted for its critique of imperialism and its exploration of the darkness that lies within every individual. Conrad's distinctive prose style and ability to evoke atmosphere and mood have made him a central figure in literary modernism.