This paper
examines the public furore surrounding "Pamela" by Samuel Richardson, following its first publication in November
1740. It looks at how so widespread was the novel's readership and popularity, that within a year of this date a further five
editions had been published, along with an authorised French translation and pirate editions in London and Dublin. It deals with the revisions which Richardson made to "Pamela" throughout his life, summarises the differences between the original edition of 1740 and the final definitive 1801 version and
examines the reasons for those changes.