The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (or, just Shandy, for short) was first published in the late 18th century in nine volumes and is still, by far, one of the most contemporary books around. When we say contemporary, we mean in terms of how it looks and reads. The thing is, though, Shandy has long been relegated to the realm of cheap and nasty classic editions and has lost its magic and lustre along the way.