I got this fair-condition '80s paperback (complete with the illustrations by "Phiz") from the charity-sale shelves at a local Hannaford's.

I first read the novel in the early '80s, shortly after the fabulous 9-hour stage production of "Nickleby" aired on PBS. I admit that I tend to be less fond of Dickens' "young man coming of age" novels - Great Expectations and David Copperfield are less enjoyable to me than Bleak House or even Dombey and Son - but of those coming-of-age books this one would have to be my favorite. (How much of this is due to the memorable performances I've seen - including that stage version, with Roger Rees as Nicholas, David Threlfall as an exceptionally pathetic Smike, Edward Petherbridge as Newman Noggs, and John Woodvine as a memorable Ralph Nickleby. [The 2002 film version starring Charlie Hunnam as Nicholas and Jamie Bell as Smike was good too, but it didn't have nine hours to work with and, frankly, felt a little rushed {grin}. Lovely musical score, though!])

I also recommend the unabridged-audio version of the book narrated by Robert Whitfield (aka Simon Vance); the slower pace of the audio experience brought more details to my notice, and I enjoyed it very much. Wonderful characters, lots of suspense, plenty of humor, romance...

[While my favorite film version is still the '82 mini-series, I found my perfect Smike in Lee Ingleby, in the 2001 UK TV-movie. Oh, and the TV Tropes page for the novel may be of interest.]

I left this book, bagged against the elements, hanging from a tree near Maplewood plaza. Hope the finder enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2017 Movie release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2017 Theater release challenge. ***