'Nicholas Nickleby' is a vibrant and heart-wrenching tale of young Nicholas left penniless after his father's death. He seeks assistance from his wealthy uncle, only to find him unscrupulous and uncaring. Forced to fend for himself and protect his mother and sister, Nicholas embarks on a journey that introduces him to a cast of extraordinary characters, from the tyrannical headmaster Wackford Squeers of Dotheboys Hall to the eccentric Crummles theatre family.

Charles Dickens, with his signature flair for the dramatic and the absurd, crafts a story that not only entertains but also delivers a fierce critique of social injustice and cruelty. The adventures of Nicholas and the friends and foes he meets along the way showcase Dickens's comic genius and his deep empathy for the underdog.

This edition, published by Penguin, includes original illustrations by 'Phiz', enriching the narrative with visual storytelling that complements Dickens's richly detailed world. An introduction by Mark Ford offers insights into the novel's historical context and its place within Dickens's body of work, making it an essential read for both new and returning readers of Dickens.