Product guide

Clarissa, or The History of a Young Lady (Penguin Classics)

Clarissa, or The History of a Young Lady is a Penguin Classics edition of Samuel Richardson’s epistolary novel, presented in English across 1,534 pages. Its notes, chronology, letter tables, glossary, and scholarly introduction suit readers prepared for a long, complex classic.

At a glance

Told through an interweaving series of letters, the novel follows Clarissa Harlowe and Robert Lovelace through coercion, temptation, and escalating conflict.
The edition description lists an introduction by Angus Ross, a chronology, further-reading suggestions, tables of letters, notes, a glossary, and an appendix on music for the “Ode to Wisdom.”
At 1,534 pages, this is a substantial reading commitment rather than a short introduction to the novel.

Price

$25.32Save 16%

Reference price: ~~$30.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

View offer Ahead of Black FridayExplore the selection

Often bought together

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (Penguin Classics)

$9.97

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (Penguin Classics)

$10.68

Pros and cons

Pros

Supplementary scholarly material provides context and reference aids alongside the novel.
The epistolary structure gives the story multiple viewpoints through letters.

Cons

The listed 1,534-page length makes the book a demanding choice for readers seeking a brief or fast read.
The listed weight is 2.9 pounds, a consideration for readers who want a light book to carry.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Edition details
Publisher	Penguin Classics
Publication date	February 4, 1986
Edition	Reprint
Language	English
Print length	1534 pages
ISBN-10	0140432159
ISBN-13	978-0140432152

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	2.9 pounds
Dimensions	5.71 x 2.56 x 9.25 inches

What to know before buying

Customer feedback describes the book as emotionally rich and engaging, while also noting that some readers find its length daunting and its readability uneven. The listed length is substantial, so allow for a sustained reading commitment.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers of long eighteenth-century novels and epistolary fiction.
Students or readers who want contextual material such as an introduction, notes, and a glossary.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a short, lightweight read or a consistently easy-to-follow narrative.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 251 ratings

5 stars68%68%
4 stars16%16%
3 stars9%9%
2 stars3%3%
1 star4%4%

Customer feedback highlights an engaging, insightful story, emotional depth, well-defined characters, and appreciation for the epistolary form. Readers also describe the book as exceptionally long, with mixed views on how easy it is to follow. That trade-off matters here: the listed edition runs 1,534 pages, and its letter-based narrative rewards readers prepared for a sustained, attentive read.

Positive themes

Customers praise the novel’s engaging story, exploration of the human heart and mind, characters, and emotional depth.
Some customer feedback particularly appreciates the epistolary format.

Negative themes

Customer feedback notes the novel’s exceptional length as a drawback.

Mixed feedback

Opinions on readability are mixed, with some finding the book worthwhile and others finding it hard to follow.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this edition of Clarissa?

The listing gives a print length of 1,534 pages, so it is a substantial book.

What additional material does the edition include?

The description lists an introduction by Angus Ross, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, tables of letters, notes, a glossary, and an appendix on music for the “Ode to Wisdom.”

Is Clarissa told through letters?

Yes. The edition description characterizes the novel as told through a complex series of interweaving letters.

Is this a manageable choice for a casual or quick read?

Its listed length is 1,534 pages, and customer feedback reports mixed views on readability. It is better suited to readers willing to make a sustained commitment.