Varney the Vampire. Is there any consensus on a best version available?

[Lazarus]

I'd really like to read it unabridged in it's entirety with the original Illustrations.  Do any versions offer this? 

I'm looking at a pair of volumes by Dover Publications.  Are those any good?

[Mike Scott]

Project Guttenberg only has 96 of the 109 chapters, but they have the original illus.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14833/14833-h/14833-h.htm

[Wich2]

Dover is usually very dependable, Lazarus.

(I own several of theirs, and am reading their Bierce collection right now.)

-Craig

[Dr. Acula]

Okay, I realize I'm about 2 years late replying to this thread, but I wanted to share my recommendation, anyway: the Arno Press three-volume, hardback, slipcased edition; complete (220 chapters) with original illustrations. Unfortunately,it's not exactly "available" as it is long out of print and hard to find. But I definitely recommend it if you can get your hands on it!

[Lazarus]

That's very pretty.  Thank you for the recommendation!

[Haunted hearse]

Has anyone ever done a film adaptation (no matter how awful) of this literary property?

[AlwaysWitty]

Has anyone ever done a film adaptation (no matter how awful) of this literary property?

Funny thing is, Dark Shadows isn't all that far off. It's not a direct adaptation by any means, but they share a number of tropes, themes, and details. Also, the soap opera approach to Dark Shadows is reminiscent of the heightened sensationalist tone of Varney the Vampire. Not to mention they're both long-running works with their fair share of continuity issues.

THAT SAID, to my knowledge there hasn't been any sort of genuine adaptation. I'd like to see someone give it a shot some day.

[John Pertwee]

The Arno Press version is the benchmark, IMHO, and would be hard to beat. It can be found for a decent price on ebay if you wait long enough.
The story is long, convoluted, and contradictory at times since it was designed as a serialized story to be read over time. Reading it in one go is challenging.