LibrivoxCdCoverArt21

Nicholas Nickleby is a young Devonshire man of nineteen, handsome and hot headed, devoted to his
sister Kate and his parents. Following the death of Nicholas's father, they find themselves penniless, and
travel to London to seek help from his uncle, Ralph Nickleby, a heartless, cunning rogue. He grudgingly
finds employment for Nicholas in Dotheby Hall, a school in Yorkshire run by the brutal Mr. and Mrs.
Wackford Squeers. Appalled at the condition and treatment of the school children, Nicholas rebels,
escaping with Smike, a young man/child who has become devoted to him.

Meanwhile back in London, Ralph Nickleby uses his beautiful niece Kate to adorn dinner parties for his
disreputable male clientele. He also acquires for her a position as a dressmaker, where she finds herself
working under a despotic supervisor.

Nicholas, in search of employment, first tutors children of the Kenwigs family. Later he meets the
flamboyant Mr. Vincent Crummies, and along with Smike, joins his theatrical troupe, with a band of
hilarious actors. Among his many tasks, he creates posters, adapts scripts and acts in many productions.

Learning of Kate being in peril, he and Smike leave the troupe to come to her aid. Nicholas then meets
with the wonderful Cheeryble brothers who help him start a new life with his family and Smike - but
Smike is captured by Wackford Squeers and returned to Dotheby Hall in Yorkshire. Nicholas goes to the
school to rescue Smike, and faces off Mr.Squeers, in an unforgettable scene.

n the
te.

Written when Dickens was himself a young man, Nicholas Nickleby is full of twists and turns, and
adventures both merry and tragic, with, as always, many unforgettable characters. (Summary by Mil
Nicholson)

Read by Mil Nicholson. Total running time: 35:36:01

This recording is in the public domain and may be reproduced, distributed, or modified without
permission. For more information or to volunteer, visit librivox.org.

Cover picture by Artist (date). Copyright expired in U.S., Canada, EU. and all countries with
author's life +70 yrs laws. Cover design by {your name}. This design is in the public domain.