Nicholas Nickleby or The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is a novel by Charles Dickens originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839. It was Dickens’ third novel. It follows the fortunes of a young man called Nicholas. When Nicholas’ father dies he, his mother and sister are left penniless. To earn his keep, Nicholas becomes a tutor at Dotheboys Hall. He soon discovers that the headmaster, Wackford Squeers, is a one-eyed tyrant who insists on a harsh regime. Nicholas embarks on an adventure that takes him from abhorrent boarding schools to the London stage. Dickens confronts issues of neglect and cruelty within his novel.

Interesting Facts: Nicholas Nickleby was adapted into a BBC Television series in 1977 featuring Nigel Havers as Nicholas.