Great Expectations (Unabridged) by Charles Dickens

Summary from the publisher of Great Expectations (Unabridged audiobooks)

When the young orphan called Pip encounters the escaped convict Magwitch, the child's life is altered forever - in ways he cannot even imagine. In the course of his story, Pip encounters such memorable characters as the eccentric Miss Havisham and her beautiful ward Estella - and a mysterious benefactor. This recording includes both of the endings Dickens wrote for this classic novel. (Recorded Books, Inc. 1987)

Great Expectations (Unabridged)

Summary from the publisher of this audio version of Great Expectations (Unabridged audiobooks)

Standing as one of the most revered works in all of English literature, Great Expectations traces the development of Philip Pirrip, called Pip, from a boy of shallow aspirations to a man of depth and character. Pip is reared by his sister and her husband Joe Gargery, a blacksmith. In his youth he is influenced by the eccentric Miss Havisham, who was jilted on her wedding night and who has brought up her adopted niece Estella to hate men. As a young man, Pip is informed that an unknown benefactor has provided money for his education and expects to make him his heir. Forsaking his humbler friends, particularly the faithful Joe, he sets off to London with the firm intention of becoming a gentleman and realizing his "great expectations".

Dickens' mastery of caricature, projecting the richness of life and giving depth to the atmosphere in which the events take place, is never more evident than in this masterwork. Nor is the theme of false pride presented more clearly anywhere else. The desire of Pip to improve himself is gratified by the advent of his "great expectations", but this leads him to snobbishness. Only when his fortune changes is he able to obtain stature. (Blackstone Audiobooks 1997)

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Summary from the publisher of Great Expectations (Abridged audiobooks)

A terrifying encounter with an escaped convict in a graveyard on the wild Kent marshes; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of a mysterious benefactor; these form a series of events that change the orphaned Pip's life forever, and he eagerly abandons his humble origins to begin a new life as a gentleman. Great Expectations follow's Pip's education and development through adversity as he discovers the true nature of his 'great expectations'. (Penguin Books Ltd 1994)

A Study Guide to Charles Dickens's Great Expectations

Summary from the publisher of A Study Guide to Charles Dickens's Great Expectations

Pip, an orphan whose sudden wealth from an unknown benefactor transforms his life overnight, is the focus of Charles Dickens's timeless novel. Pip's move into gentility provides a window into the Victorian class structure and the indestructible values of the human heart. This guide contains an introduction to Victorian England, a detailed narrative explanation of the novel, dramatic readings, and a critical analysis. The author is a veteran professor of creative writing at Harvard University and an editor at Princeton University Press. Michael York, star of the 1974 film version of the novel, narrates. This guide is part of the A+ AUDIO series from Time Warner, an innovative set of study materials that will help you to better understand, appreciate, and enjoy great works of literature. Look for other A+ titles from Audible in the Education section of Personal Development. (Time Warner AudioBooks 1994)