ProspectusofThe Subscribers’ Edition

of the great novels, in numbers issued by Gentle Reader a circulating library

The great novels in numbers, as their first readers read them: a number at a time, in company, with a quiet companion who never spoils the ending.

Terms. The reading is free. Subscribers help shape the edition: each ‘Tell me when it’s ready’ counts toward what is built and bound next.

i.Now ready

The novels on the shelf, in numbersNow readyPride and Prejudice, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Frankenstein and The Odyssey: numbers of about twenty minutes, each opening with “In our last number…” and ending where you will want the next.
Calling cards and footnotesNow readyTap a name for who they are, as far as the book has told you; a † for money, manners, irony and allusion.
The Wager BookNow readyAt the end of a number, wager on what comes next, and see how the room bet.
“Previously…”Now readyBack after a few days: three lines on what you read last, and who is in the scene.
The World, and its platesNow readyThe county map, the family tree and the chronology ink themselves in as you read; the period plates appear at their scenes.
SeasonsNow readyOne number a day with everyone, opening each morning.
THE END, and a second readingNow readyThe seal breaks, the endpapers open, and the book can be read again, knowing.
The PostNow readyA morning letter for readers in a season, bringing the day’s number.

The writing deskIn the pressAfter THE END, write your own story in the book’s world: letters set as letters, in the characters’ hands.Tell me when it’s ready

“What does this mean?”In preparationSelect a knotty sentence; the companion answers in a short letter, and you may ask again about it.Tell me when it’s ready
Corrections in red inkIn preparationAt the desk, your draft checked against the book, with the author’s corrections in the margin.Tell me when it’s ready
The silhouette cutterIn preparationA cut-paper profile for a character of your own, in the house hand.Tell me when it’s ready
Patronage of the LibraryIn preparationPatronage, after the subscribers who kept Mudie’s lamps lit: for the writing desk and the companion’s letters. The reading stays free for everyone.Tell me when it’s ready

Pride and Prejudice (1813)Now readyJane Austen. In twenty-eight numbers.Begin Number the First
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)Now readyArthur Conan Doyle. In fifteen numbers.Begin Number the First
Frankenstein (1818)Now readyMary Shelley. In seventeen numbers.Begin Number the First
The Odyssey (1871)Now readyHomer. In twenty-four numbers.Begin Number the First
Great Expectations (1861)In preparationCharles Dickens. In his own weekly parts, with John McLenan’s plates from the first serial.Tell me when it’s ready
Dracula (1897)In preparationBram Stoker. The letters, diaries and telegrams arrive on their own dates.Tell me when it’s ready

Those whose names are on the List while the edition is in preparation are its Founding Subscribers. Each

keeps their number, for good;
has a Founding Subscriber’s seal set in the endpapers of every book they finish;
will be offered a founder’s rate when patronage opens.

Printed for the Subscribers · MMXXVI