Great Expectations Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Contexts, Criticism

Great Expectations Authoritative Text, Backgrounds, Contexts, Criticism by Charles Dickens is a comprehensive edition published by Norton in 1999. This 748-page volume presents the classic tale of Pip, who navigates the challenges of growing up from childhood to adulthood, moving from the Kent marshes to the bustling streets of London. Throughout his journey, Pip encounters a range of memorable characters, including the convict Magwitch and the enigmatic Miss Havisham, as he seeks to understand his true self and values in the context of early Victorian England.

This edition not only features the original, discarded ending but also includes Dickens’s working notes and the serial installments along with chapter divisions from various editions. Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as identity and societal expectations, making it a significant addition to the study of fiction and classics. The definitive Clarendon text ensures that this authoritative version remains true to Dickens’s original vision, providing insights into the complexities of Pip’s experiences and the moral questions posed throughout the narrative.