Bardell v. Pickwick by Charles Dickens and Percy Fitzgerald

Author: Charles Dickens and Percy Fitzgerald | Published: 1902

Bardell v. Pickwick Synopsis

Bardell v. Pickwick is a fictional legal case written by Percy Fitzgerald based on Charles Dickens's novel The Pickwick Papers, published in 1902. The case is brought by Mrs. Bardell, the landlady of Mr. Pickwick, against Mr. Pickwick for breach of promise of marriage. Mrs. Bardell claims that Mr. Pickwick promised to marry her but broke his promise. Mr. Pickwick denies ever making such a promise, and the case goes to trial.

The trial is a farce. The judge, Mr. Justice Stareleigh, is a pompous and incompetent old man. The lawyers, Dodson and Fogg, are unscrupulous and incompetent. The witnesses are unreliable and forgetful. Ultimately, Mr. Pickwick is found guilty, but the jury awards Mrs. Bardell only one shilling damage.

About Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens is one of the most iconic writers of all time. His works have been adapted for both stage and screen, and his influence on literature is still felt today. Born in 1812 in England, Charles Dickens wrote some of the most beloved novels in history, including Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and David Copperfield.

His characters are often seen as timeless & relatable figures – especially Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. Through his works, he tackles themes such as injustice, poverty & social inequality with wit & humor. From his early sketches to later novels like Bleak House & Little Dorrit – Charles Dickens left an indelible mark on English Literature that still resonates today. He died on June 9th, 1870, but his works remain some of the most beloved pieces in literary history – a lasting legacy from one of England's greatest authors. Find out more about Charles Dickens at sevenov.com.