First published in serial form between 1860 and 1861, "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is regarded as one of the all-time classics of English literature. Opening with his chilling encounter with the convict Magwitch on the wintry marches, it tells the story of the life of orphaned Philip Pirrip, always known as "Pip".

It is teeming with memorable characters, including the reclusive Miss Havisham, jilted on her wedding day, the haughty Estella, and the amiable Herbert Pocket, but for many people the most endearing of all is the blacksmith Joe Gargery. Although he is no blood relation to Pip, he is married to his domineering and cruel much elder sister. She rules the household metaphorically with a rod of iron, and quite literally with a large stick nicknamed "tickler", that she wields on Pip, Joe, and anyone else who has wronged her in the slightest. Joe could not be a greater contrast. Although not a man of any great intellect, he is wise, kind, and patient, and gives young Pip the love he so desperately needs. It is a sign of just how Pip himself has changed for the worst in his determination to become a gentleman that he turns on Joe and comes to despise him.

However, by no means a given with Dickens, there is a happy end for Joe. He and Pip are reconciled and he marries a second time, to Biddy, who is as kind as he is.

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