David Copperfield

6b Charles Dickens. London: Chapman and Hall, Ca. 1920

Notes

David Copperfield, published between 1849 and 1850, is often regarded as Charles Dickens’s most personal novel and one of his greatest achievements. Told in the first person, it follows David from a troubled childhood through hardship, education, and early adulthood, tracing his growth into a writer and moral individual. The novel blends realism with memorable characters such as Mr. Micawber, Uriah Heep, and Betsey Trotwood, while exploring themes of perseverance, identity, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Many episodes draw directly from Dickens’s own life, giving the story an emotional depth and intimacy that sets it apart from his earlier works.

Charles Dickens was a towering figure of Victorian literature whose novels combined popular appeal with sharp social criticism. Born in 1812, he transformed his early experiences of poverty, insecure family life, and child labor into powerful narratives that exposed social injustice and celebrated human resilience. Through serialized publication, Dickens reached an enormous readership and shaped public opinion on issues such as education, workhouses, and the treatment of children. His vivid characters, moral energy, and enduring storytelling have ensured his lasting influence on English literature and cultural history.

Description

Brown 3/4 leather with brown fabric cover on front back, gold latin college crest on front.