Heart of Darkness is one of the best stories ever told. Defining, riveting (no pun intended despite the importance of rivets in the narrative), complex, controversial. Perhaps the work which best manifests Conrad's power and his view of the human condition. I have taught this work several times and conducted seminars about it. These never prove to be quiet affairs. The other two stories are worthy, but not of the same complexity and power as Heart of Darkness. ( )