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 author's own life and providing a wealth of famous characters.Creepy Uriah Heep and the cruel Murdstones are here, with faithful Peggoty and David's 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).