What Year Was The Great Expectations Library Edition Released?

Book nerds like me geek out over the 1861 library edition of 'Great Expectations.' It’s the first full book version, and Dickens polished the text from the serialized run. Chapman & Hall published it, and the craftsmanship is stunning—think gilt edges and marbled endpapers. Later editions, like the 1862 one, tweaked a few things, but the 1861 release is the purest form of the story. Finding a copy in good condition is like striking gold for collectors.

I've spent countless hours digging into the history of 'Great Expectations.' The library edition you're asking about is a particularly special one. After some research, I found that the definitive library edition was released in 1861, just a year after the serialized version concluded. This edition was published by Chapman & Hall and featured revisions by Dickens himself, making it a must-have for collectors. The binding, typography, and illustrations in this edition are iconic, reflecting the Victorian era's love for ornate design. If you're lucky enough to find a well-preserved copy, it’s a treasure worth holding onto.

For those curious about later editions, the 1862 library edition is also noteworthy, as it included additional edits and became the standard for many reprints. The 1861 edition, though, holds a unique place in literary history as the first complete version of the novel in book form. It’s fascinating how much these early editions reveal about publishing practices of the time.

I’m a huge fan of Dickens, and 'Great Expectations' is one of my all-time favorites. The library edition you’re referring to came out in 1861, and it’s a big deal among book enthusiasts. This edition was the first to present the novel as a complete work, rather than the serialized version that ran in 'All the Year Round.' Chapman & Hall handled the publication, and it’s packed with the kind of detailed craftsmanship you’d expect from the era. The 1861 edition is often considered the most authoritative, as Dickens made several tweaks to the text. If you’re into rare books, this is one to keep an eye out for—it’s a piece of literary history.

The library edition of 'Great Expectations' was released in 1861. It’s the first complete book version, published by Chapman & Hall. Dickens made revisions, making it the definitive text for many scholars and collectors. If you’re into rare books, this edition is a prized find.