David Copperfield is the eighth novel by Charles Dickens. It was first published as a book in 1850. Many elements of the novel follow events in Dickens' own life, and it is probably the most autobiographical of his novels. In the preface to the 1867 edition, Dickens wrote, "like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield." The story traces the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David was born in Blunderstone, Suffolk, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, ...
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David Copperfield is the eighth novel by Charles Dickens. It was first published as a book in 1850. Many elements of the novel follow events in Dickens' own life, and it is probably the most autobiographical of his novels. In the preface to the 1867 edition, Dickens wrote, "like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield." The story traces the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David was born in Blunderstone, Suffolk, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, in 1820, six months after the death of his father. David spends his early years in relative happiness with his loving but frail mother and their kindly housekeeper, Peggotty. When he is seven years old his mother marries Edward Murdstone. David is given good reason to dislike his stepfather and has similar feelings for Murdstone's sister Jane, who moves into the house soon afterwards. Murdstone attempts to thrash David for falling behind in his studies. David bites him and soon afterwards is sent away to a boarding school, Salem House, with a ruthless headmaster, Mr. Creakle. The novel has been adapted into several plays and for the screen at least twelve times.
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Add this copy of David Copperfield to cart. $41.08, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2022 by Lulu.com.
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If Dickens is the greatest novelist of all times - and I believe he is - David Copperfield is the greatest of his novels. This book has it all - it will make you cry and laugh, cringe and hate and love. I first started reading it as a 16-17-yearold, and I still read it, some 40 years on. I must have read it at least 25 times over the years. Every time I marvel at how gloriously he writes. I believe that depictions of childhood are the most poignant an author could try on, and not one of them - not even the great ones, like Atwood or Oates - surpass the tale of David Copperfield's childhood. Every one of Dickens' characters come alive, almost every sentence they speak becomes a bon mot in your life. It's like Monty Python - there will always be an excellent quote for every possible situation in your life!
Tarissa
May 24, 2015
Charming, humorous... it's Dickens
No simple words could describe this book better than saying it is "The Personal History, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery, Which He Never Meant to Be Published on Any Account."
Do you catch Dickens humorous mood already? The quotation alone is the real subtitle of the book. And, my, oh my! It's a charming book. A new favorite of mine, in fact. Barely a chapter passed by that I didn't laugh at a scene, or a particular sentence, or even a certain word, the way Dickens wedged it in there.
It is David Copperfield's story - from childhood to adulthood. The characters are beautifully drawn out - Pegotty, the Micawbers - ha! - even the villainous characters too.
My favorite novel from Dickens! I already cannot wait to read this delightful piece of literature again.
"...I should have been perfectly miserable, I have no doubt, but for the old books. They were my only comfort; and I was as true to them as they were to me, and read them over and over I don't know how many times more." (Chapter 10, David Copperfield)
Leslie
May 14, 2011
An Insight into Dickens' Own Life
This book is fiction, but has in it enough autobiographical elements to be interesting. The first person coming-of-age motif -- also seen in Great Expectations -- is not among my favorite literary devices.
The romantic plot contrivances were also hard to swallow. But overall I found Davy to be a sympathetic character who redeems himself well -- unlike how I felt about Pip in Great Expectations, whom I thought was a twit pretty much to the end of the book.
The most engrossing character for me was Steerforth, who incites both anger and pity, sometimes both at once.
Woolymamath
Apr 9, 2007
I hated to put it down
David Copperfield so engaged me I hated to put it down. Many a night I stayed up yawning to read just a little more. I love reading about old-world England , a world where values are clearly defined ( very rare in contemporary literature ); where integrity and hard work are rated highly; the unselfish devotion of Peggoty toward little Em'ly; David's compassion for his child-wife; the strength and determination of his aunt Miss Trotwood. Their story is engaging and moves briskly without lagging. I laughed and cried reading this book. Dickens' characters are unforgettable; either lovable or deliciously repulsive. His choices of names for his characters are colorful and strong. DC inspired me to look at my own life a little differently. I came away from this book with some improvement in my thoughts. Not only was I entertained; I was also inspired. A wonderful gripping read with substance. I hate racing through a good book in an evening or two. I want to be able to enjoy it for a time as I was able to with this book. Very definitely a book worth reading.
