Great Expectations

Charles Dickens first serialised Great Expectations to rave reviews in 1859 and its wit, power and brilliance is just as fresh today. You may have read this story of first love and lost identity before, but not like this.

About the author

Charles Dickens is a literary legend. His books have sold millions of times over and have been staged, filmed and translated throughout the world. The very word Dickensian conjures scenes of bucolic Britain, industrial hardship and a clutch of characterful gargoyles. 

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Why We Like It

  • Miss Havisham – enough said.
  • Juicy characters that can never be forgotten.
  • A journey of sin, repentance, forgiveness, redemption and growth set in the harsh world of the Victorian period.

Charles Dickens


Charles Dickens is a literary legend. His books have sold millions of times over and have been staged and filmed and translated throughout the world. The very word Dickensian conjures scenes of bucolic Britain, industrial hardship and a clutch of characterful gargoyles. 


But Dickens' early life was not one of privilege and ease. His father was in and out of debtor's prison and the author spent his early teens working in a blacking-factory. These humble beginnings are often reflected in his novels, his first being the serialisation of The Pickwick Papers in 1836. From then he wrote some of the greatest classic novels of our time. 

On his death in 1870 the Times wrote, "The loss of such a man is an event which makes ordinary expressions of regret seem cold and conventional."

To honour the man himself we will be donating half of all payments made for Great Expectations to the Charles Dickens Museum. To find out more about this wonderful organisation, please click here.

1. CHOOSE WHO
TO READ WITH

Join our commmunity of readers or read with friends in your own private book club.

2. PICK A BOOK
 

And read it in bite-sized instalments – called staves – that fit busy modern lives.

3. HIGHLIGHT AND DISCUSS
 

Save your favourite bits and leave thoughts to connect with fellow readers.

4. GET BEHIND
THE STORY

Beautiful extras in the margins immerse you in the world of each book.

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