Mr. Pecksniff's oily hypocrisy and self-serving behavior know no earthly bounds. Oh, but isn't he a joy to poke fun of. "Martin Chuzzlewit" is a darkly humoresque social commentary on the sort of contagious greed that always seems to surface in particular circumstances - in this case, the declining health of an elderly, and childless, wealthy relative. Who will get to inherit his fortune? Between the rather unsavory lot of family members, which include the aforementioned Pecksniff and his two unmarried (and equally selfish) daughters, a prodigal grandson, a miserly and scheming brother and his quite possibly murderous son, the choice doesn't appear to be a very sensible one whomsoever he chooses. Like most Dickensian novels, it is a rather long one, with so many -albeit richly drawn- characters and subplots, it can get a little confusing at times. If this sort of description intimidates you, I recommend first checking out the brilliant 1994 BBC adaptation available on Netflix. If you want to see Dickens in his element, though, best read the book afterward. A true classic.