Oxford World's Classics

First established in 1901 by Grant Richards and purchased by OUP in 1906, this imprint publishes primarily dramatic and classic literature for students and the general public.

The Oxford World's Classics were classed as "the most famous works of the English Language"[3] and many volumes contained introductions by distinguished authors, such as T. S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf, among others.

[4] The books were marketed as a cheap and accessible series for the general public to read some of the greatest works of literature: World's Classics were first published as 'pocket-sized hardbacks'.

[10] For example, the Oxford World's Classics edition of Emma has been updated twice with new introductions by different editors since it was first published in the series in 1980, while retaining the base text established by James Kinsley.

One notable series consists of Latin standards including The Golden Ass by Apuleius, and The Satyricon by Petronius translated and with introductions by P.G.Walsh.

Three different cover designs of the Oxford World's Classics series. From left to right: 1987, 1993, 2009.
World's Classics paperbacks were printed with minor variations in design and colour scheme.
The cover of Giorgio Vasari 's Lives of the Artists in the Oxford World's Classics series.