1779 Edition

Because of its popularity, Pamela was released in an abridged edition in 1779. It includes five engravings, including the frontispiece, in which Pamela looks dramatically different from the elegant lady depicted in the 1741 edition, perhaps in order to give her more appeal to the audiences targeted by more affordable editions.

Because it was released in a less-expensive format, the engravings in this edition are both less numerous and far less detailed and precise than in earlier versions, indicating that less complex and costly printing techniques were used. The limited number of engravings along with the abridged text means that the events depicted both in the illustrations and the text are considered to be the major ones.

	Concerned for his daughter's fate even as he is sure of her virtue, Pamela's father makes a visit to Mr. B. His deference to Mr. B and Mrs. Jervis indicates his own awareness of the social mores of his society.
	Pamela sits in anguish next to the pond, her dress floating upon it, as she reviews her choices. With escape seeming more and more impossible, suicide seems to her for a time a choice worth considering.
	Mr. Andrews features in two engravings in this edition. Here, we see his reunion with Pamela. The framing of the scene, with Pamela hugging her seated father, is reminiscent of Highmore's painting of the same scene.
	With the carriage, the symbol of Pamela's new class status, present in the background, Pamela and Mr. B return home after a day of socializing.