The great classics contain passionate romance, thrilling adventure, arresting characters, unforgettable scenes and situations. But finding time to read them can be a problem. So, we've condensed some of the finest books in the world to a manageable length to enable everyone to enjoy them * A unique concept * The reductions in length have been done with sensitivity and retain the author's own words * The popularity of TV and movie adaptations of the Classics shows that there is an audience for the Compact Editions series * Distinctive modern cover treatment and attractive, readable text * Includes a time line to place the book in its historical context * 'The Compact Editions are aimed at encouraging more mainstream readers to become better acquainted with our literary heritage which, personally, I salute' Sarah Broadhurst, The Bookseller * 'For "ordinary" readers - people who want nothing more than to be diverted by some of the greatest prose writing ever produced - I can't see why it matters if they opt for a crisper version of a rambling old classic' Kathryn Hughes, Guardian Unlimited Books

Herman Melville is the author of MOBY DICK.