Clothbound editions and their variants (1906 – 1978)

The Oxford World Classics (clothbound hardback editions) are a series of works published by Oxford University Press between 1906 and 1978. The collection contains over 600 titles that were classed to be “the most famous works of the English Language” and many volumes contain introductions by distinguished authors.

The clothbound hardback editions (and their variants) are usually 15cms in height, and are identified by the title page usually classing the publication as “The World Classics”, or having the Oxford World Classics Emblem. Furthermore, most publications have the publication series number on the title page.
The Oxford World Classics were marketed as a cheap and assessable series for the general public to read some of the greatest literature works:

“Cheaply and in little shelf space, the general reader can build up a library of those books, which, having become part of himself, he wishes now to make a part of his home.”

Today, the hardback editions of the Oxford World Classics have become collectable items for many book lovers and collectors.

Works Never Published

Interruption of publication due to the war saw seven titles planned but never published, these are:

365 G. Leopardi Essays, Dialogues and Thoughts [Never Published]

374 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. III [Never Published]

375 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. IV [Never Published]

376 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. V [Never Published]

377 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. VI [Never Published]

378 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. VII [Never Published]

379 C. A. Sainte-Beuve Causeries du Lundi, Vol. VIII [Never Published]

Due to these interruptions there are only 610 titles in the Oxford World Classics series, although the last title published is #617.

External links

• UK & Europe website
• USA website
• Bibliographical guide to the clothbound World's Classics published between 1901 and 1978