I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield. Charles Dickens The story of David Copperfield (1850) began as a memoir of Dickens boyhood experiences in a blacking factory and grew into one of his most popular novels, echoing aspects of the authors own life and providing a wealth of famous characters. Creepy Uriah Heep and the cruel Murdstones are here, with faithful Peggoty and Davids formidable Aunt Betsey Trotwood; not forgetting the ever-optimistic Mr Micawber, who is a portrait of Dickens own improvident father. This edition contains the original illustrations by Phiz (Hablot Knight Browne).