Of human bondage - Classic novel and edition overview

In this review of Of human bondage the reviewer recommends this 1916 edition for readers seeking a classic, character-driven novel with emotional depth. This volume, part of the Cornell University Library print collections, is appealing because it faithfully reproduces the original scanned book and retains any marginalia or marks that give a sense of authenticity. While the physical reproduction can present occasional readability challenges, the novel's storytelling, pacing and character development make it a worthwhile read for literary enthusiasts who value historical editions and unaltered texts.

Key Features

• Original 1916 edition: Preserves the text and context of W. Somerset Maugham's novel as it first appeared, offering historical authenticity.
• Library scan reproduction: Scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format, so the pages reflect the original book's physical condition.
• Complete cover-to-cover scan: Includes all pages and the original cover, giving readers access to marginalia and notations found in the source volume.
• Clear digital images: The JPG 2000 conversion by a professional scanning service provides consistent image quality across the volume for close reading.
• Value for collectors: Offers a cost-effective way to own a faithful reproduction of a century-old literary work without altering the original text.

Who It's For

This edition is best for literary readers and students who appreciate primary-source reproductions and want to experience Maugham's novel as it existed in 1916. Scholars, collectors and readers interested in the physical history of the book will value the presence of original marks and marginalia.

Readers who prefer modernized, large-print or extensively edited editions should look elsewhere, since this scanned library copy preserves the original formatting and may present small or challenging print for those who need larger type or editorial updates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Faithful reproduction of the original 1916 text gives historical and scholarly value.
• Customers praise the novel's story quality and character development, making it rewarding to read.
• Professional scanning and JPG 2000 conversion deliver consistent image quality across pages.

Cons

• Some readers report mixed readability due to small or dense type and the scanned page presentation.

Specifications

Our Verdict

This scanned 1916 edition of Of human bondage is recommended for readers who want a faithful, historically grounded copy that preserves the original text and physical markings. It represents good value for those who prioritize authenticity and literary quality, while readers needing modern formatting or larger print should consider other editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the original text or an edited version?
This is a faithful scan of the original 1916 volume from a library collection and not a modern editorial revision.

Will the scan include blemishes or notes?
Yes, pages may include the marks, notations and marginalia present in the original volume.

Is the print size enlarged for easier reading?
The reproduction preserves the original formatting, so print size mirrors the source and may be small for some readers.