David Copperfield

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850)

"Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show." Dickens' most autobiographical novel, following young David from a troubled childhood through the discovery of his true calling as a writer.

Historical Significance:
Dickens called David Copperfield "my favourite child" among all his novels. Serialized from May 1849 to November 1850, it drew heavily on his own experiences: like David, young Charles Dickens was put to work in a factory while his father was imprisoned for debt. Mr. Micawber — eternally optimistic, perpetually in debt, always expecting "something to turn up" — was based directly on Dickens' father, John Dickens. The cruel Mr. Murdstone, the eccentric Aunt Betsey Trotwood, and the villainous Uriah Heep are among Dickens' most memorable creations. Tolstoy, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf all cited it as a masterpiece.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1850. Free to read and share.