David Copperfield
Assigned by 1 of the 9 reading lists, catalogue entry only
- Written
- 1849-1850
- Form
- Novel
- Language
- English
- Length
- Epic · 950 ppover 700 pages
- Difficulty
- Moderate2 of 5 for a first-year reader
We recommendDavid CopperfieldPenguin Classics, 2004Jeremy Tambling's edition, with the original Browne illustrations and full notes.
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David tells his own life from birth. His widowed mother marries the cruel Murdstone; David is sent to a brutal school, then to label bottles in a London warehouse, lodging with the hopeful, penniless Micawber. He runs away to his aunt Betsey Trotwood, is educated, and becomes a writer. Around him move Steerforth, who seduces Little Em'ly; the fawning clerk Uriah Heep; his child-wife Dora; and Agnes Wickfield, whom he loves last. Dickens called it his favourite child.
No reading guide yet
The catalogue entry above is complete: the dates, the form, the themes and every program that assigns David Copperfield are verified against each program's published list.
What is missing is the part that takes real work: the summary, the key passages, and a recommended translation. The edition named below is the one most programs assign, so the buy links are useful already.
