Charles Dickens Great Expectations – Hugh Laurie AudioBook Cassette

Charles Dickens
Great Expectations
AudioBook Cassette

Read by Hugh Laurie  ·  Penguin Classics
ISBN 0-14-086041-X  ·  1995

About This AudioBook

This is a complete two-cassette audiobook edition of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, narrated by Hugh Laurie and published by Penguin Classics in 1995. The abridged text, adapted by Kati Nichol and produced by Stuart Owen, captures the essence of one of Dickens' finest novels — a masterpiece of gripping drama and piercing satire that has captivated readers for over 170 years.

Hugh Laurie's distinctive voice brings Dickens' characters to vivid life: the orphan Pip and the mysterious Miss Havisham take centre stage in a narrative of ambition, heartbreak and redemption set against the backdrop of Victorian England. Whether you are returning to this classic or discovering it for the first time, this cassette edition offers an engaging and accessible way to experience Dickens' psychological intensity and dark wit.

This audiobook will appeal to Dickens enthusiasts, audiobook collectors, students of Victorian literature, and anyone seeking a superior recorded performance of one of English literature's greatest novels. The cassette format is a particular draw for nostalgic listeners and collectors of vintage audio media.

The Photos

Every item is photographed individually. The gallery above shows the complete set for sale: the original Penguin Classics case with cover art (a detail from J. M. W. Turner's A Country Blacksmith Disputing the Price of Iron), both cassettes, and back cover information. You can see the exact condition of the cassettes, case clarity, and all printed details.

Specifications

AuthorCharles Dickens
TitleGreat Expectations
NarratorHugh Laurie
PublisherPenguin Publishing Group
SeriesPenguin Classics
Publication Year1995
FormatCassette AudioBook
Number of Cassettes2
Running TimeApproximately 3 hours
EditionAbridged
Abridged ByKati Nichol
Produced ByStuart Owen
LanguageEnglish
ISBN0-14-086041-X
GenreLiterary Fiction  ·  Drama  ·  Classic
Content TypeFiction
Condition GradeVery Good

Condition Report

Very Good. The cassette case is clean and intact with minor age-related toning to the plastic casing; both cassettes are present and visible through the clear plastic window, showing the original black labels with white text and the Penguin logo. The front cover artwork remains vibrant and the spine is sound. The back cover is clear and legible. Both cassettes themselves appear unspooled and intact, with no visible damage, creasing or loss. The case closes securely. This is a fully playable copy in excellent condition for its age, ready to enjoy.

Why This Cassette AudioBook?

  • Hugh Laurie's Acclaimed Narration: The British actor and comedy writer (best known for Blackadder, A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster) lends his trademark warmth and precision to Dickens' prose, bringing the novel's complex characters into sharp relief.
  • Vintage Format Appeal: Compact cassettes are enjoying a genuine resurgence among collectors and nostalgic listeners. This is an original 1995 Penguin edition — authentic period audio media.
  • Complete and Playable: Both tapes are present, intact and ready to play. The case is original and well-preserved, making this suitable for display or active use.
  • Expert Abridgement: Kati Nichol's adaptation preserves the emotional and psychological weight of Dickens' novel while making it accessible within three hours — ideal for commuting or home listening.
  • Literary Collectibility: Penguin Classics audiobooks from the 1990s are increasingly sought-after by audiobook collectors, Victorian literature fans, and anyone building a vintage spoken-word collection.
  • A Masterpiece Made Accessible: Great Expectations is one of English literature's supreme achievements. This professional recording makes Dickens' prose, characters and moral insights available to listeners who prefer the spoken word.

Questions Buyers Often Ask

Q: Are both cassettes present and in working order?

A: Yes. Both cassettes are present in the case, visible through the clear window, with intact labels and no visible damage. The audio quality cannot be guaranteed without playback on compatible equipment, but the physical condition is excellent.

Q: Is this the complete novel or an abridged version?

A: This is an abridged edition, expertly condensed by Kati Nichol to fit three hours of listening. It retains the essential plot, characters and themes of the original novel while removing some subplots and descriptive passages for time.

Q: What is the running time?

A: Approximately three hours across two cassettes — ideal for a long commute, road trip or leisurely home listening.

Q: How is the case condition?

A: The original Penguin Classics case is clean and intact with very minor age-related toning to the plastic. The artwork remains vibrant, the spine is sound, and it closes securely. No cracks, creasing or loss.

Q: Is this a collectible cassette?

A: Yes. Original Penguin Classics audiobooks from the 1990s are genuine collectibles — particularly those narrated by celebrated actors like Hugh Laurie. Cassette culture is thriving among collectors and nostalgic music/audio enthusiasts.

Q: Can I see the cassette labels and case details more clearly?

A: The photo gallery includes close-ups of both cassettes, the back cover text, and all printed information. If you need additional photographs of any specific detail, please send a message and we'll be happy to provide them.

Shipping & Dispatch

This item is shipped promptly from the UK with FREE UK postage — no extra charge at checkout. The cassettes are carefully protected in transit and dispatched within one working day of cleared payment. International buyers are welcome via eBay's Global Shipping Programme; postage costs and any applicable import duties or taxes are calculated automatically at checkout.

Questions about this cassette audiobook? We're happy to help. Send a message and we'll get back to you promptly. If you'd like additional photos — close-ups of the labels, the case spine, the back cover text, or any other detail — just ask. We want you to buy with complete confidence.