I recently read a "Classics Illustrated" version of this book (see it here), and decided that it was time I tackled the original again, from a not-in-high-school-anymore perspective {grin}. Found this trade paperback edition at a local bookstore. [There was a nicer edition available, with the original illustrations, but it was pricier so I decided to opt for this one - which does have a graveyard on the cover, always a plus!]

Later: I really enjoyed the story, and suspect that I never read the unabridged version in school - some episodes were familiar but there were a good many others that I think I'd have remembered! Lots of atmosphere and suspense, quite a bit of humor, especially regarding the classic helpful-Dickensian-sidekick Wemmick, with his tiny house-with-moat and cannon on the roof (did that inspire the scene in "Mary Poppins"?). The death-masks in Jaggers' office, the crumbling wedding-cake at Miss Haversham's, the gradual change in Pip's relationship with Magwitch... Lots to enjoy here.

[This has been the inspiration for several films and mini-series; the 1946 film is a sentimental favorite of mine, the first one I saw. I wasn't too fond of the 1998 modern-day adaptation, but some of the mini-series versions look good. The TV Tropes page on the novel has some entertaining tidbits about the book and some of the adaptations.]

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I left this book on the book-swap shelf in the Tyngsboro post office lobby. Hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of msrubble's 2009 Movie Book release challenge ***