David Copperfield, the personal history, adventures, experience and observation which he never meant to publish on any account. A coming of age story with many elements of the novel following events in Dickens' own life. Arguably, one of the most autobiographical, emotional and personal of his novels. 'Like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield', wrote Dickens in the preface to his novel.