"Easily accessible, bottom-of-the-page notes provide outstanding illumination of the text's literary and historical contexts, particularly biblical and nautical references that might otherwise elude modern readers. No other edition provides a better insight into the (sometimes murky) compositional processes behind this classic work of fiction. For fans of Sutherland's unique detective-style readings, the appendix of 'puzzles and conundrums' will prove an added bonus." --Roslyn Jolly, University of New South Wales