The Life and Adventures of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles DickensThe Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit is a novel by Charles Dickens, considered the last of his picaresque novels. It was originally serialised in 1843 and 1844. Dickens thought it to be his best work, but it was one of his least popular novels. Like nearly all of Dickens' novels, Martin Chuzzlewit was released to the public in monthly instalments.Martin Chuzzlewit has been raised by his grandfather and namesake. Years before, Martin senior took the precaution of raising an orphaned girl, Mary Graham. She is to be his nursemaid, with the understanding that she will be well cared for only as long as Martin senior lives. She thus has strong motivation to promote his well-being, in contrast to his relatives, who only want to inherit his money. However, his grandson Martin falls in love with Mary and wishes to marry her, ruining Martin senior's plans. When Martin refuses to give up the engagement, his grandfather disinherits him.

Martin Chuzzlewit (1843-44) is the last of Dickens' picaresque novels, and to the author's mind, one of his best. After being disinherited by his grandfather--greedy and misanthropic in his old age--young Martin is forced to live by his wits. Along the way, he encounters a villainous architect, seeks his fortune in America and eventually grows to be a man of honor and character. Martin Chuzzlewit features some of Dickens richest creations and fiercest social commentary.

This edition of one of Dickens's earlier novels is based on the accurate Clarendon edition of the text and includes the prefaces to the 1850 and 1867 editions and Dickens's Number Plans.