A shortened version of a literary work, often a novel or non-fiction book, is one that has had parts removed or condensed. This altered version retains the core storyline, themes, and main ideas of the original but presents them in a more concise format. As an example, a lengthy historical biography might be shortened to focus solely on the subject’s major accomplishments, omitting less significant details and anecdotes.
The creation of these condensed versions serves several purposes. It allows readers with limited time or attention spans to engage with classic or complex works. Furthermore, it can make literature more accessible to younger audiences or those learning a new language. Historically, these versions have also been produced to circumvent publishing costs associated with larger page counts, or to cater to specific market demands for more streamlined content.
