Dickens' genius for creating eccentric yet entirely captivating characters found its fullest expression in his third novel, Nicholas Nickleby, published in 1839. The narrative follows Nicholas as he escapes from the influence of his villainous uncle and the wicked schoolmaster Wackford Squeers, stumbles into a theatrical career, and pursues his fortune through numerous adventures. Upon its original publication, the set was hailed as "one of the most glorious publishing achievements of our time."