Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy, first published in 9 volumes between 1759 and 1767, is considered one of the great works of English literature.

It is also widely regarded as one of the most difficult to read because of its density and erratic, leap-frogging plot. This abridgment shortens the book to two-thirds of its original length, and slightly simplifies it, making it accessible to the general reader whilst retaining Sterne's wit and style.