Dickens: David Copperfield (unabridged)
read by Nicholas Boulton
- Release Date: 23rd Jan 2012
- Catalogue No: NA0078
- Label: Naxos AudioBooks
- Series: Complete Classics
- Length: 36 hours 7 minutes
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Charles Dickens: David Copperfield (Unabridged)
- Nicholas Boulton (reader)
- Recording Venue: Motivation Sound Studios, London
David Copperfield
An aunt of my father's, and consequently a great-aunt of mine…
'In the name of heaven,' said Miss Betsey, suddenly, 'why Rookery?'
'You were speaking about its being a girl,' said Miss Betsy.
Mr. Chillip, looking mildly at my aunt with his head on one side…
Chapter 2: I Observe
And now I see the outside of our house…
I never saw such a beautiful colour on my mother's face before.
We went to bed greatly dejected. My sobs kept waking me…
We walked about on the cliff after that, and sat on the grass…
It seems to me, at this distance of time, as if it were the next day…
Chapter 3: I Have A Change
All this I saw in the first glance after I crossed the threshold…
I was very sensible of my entertainer's goodness…
We strolled a long way, and loaded ourselves with things…
'I ain't what I could wish myself to be,' said Mrs. Gummidge.
The door opened, and I looked, half laughing and half crying…
Chapter 4: I Fall Into Disgrace
'David,' he said, making his lips thin, by pressing them together…
As well as I could make out, she had come for good…
I could hardly find the door, through the tears that stood in my eyes.
I hand the first book to my mother.
It seems to me, at this distance of time…
One morning when I went into the parlour with my books…
How well I recollect, when I became quiet…
On the last night of my restraint, I was awakened…
Chapter 5: I Was Sent Away From Home
'So she makes,' said Mr. Barkis, after a long interval of reflection…
After watching me into the second chop…
The blowing of the coach-horn in the yard…
The night was not so pleasant as the evening, for it got chilly…
I was in the height of my fever when a man entered…
I dreamed, I thought, that once while he was blowing…
There was an old door in this playground…
Chapter 6: I Enlarge My Circle Of Acquaintance
Next morning Mr. Sharp came back…
I heard all kinds of things about the school and all belonging to it.
Chapter 7: My 'First Half' At Salem House
Here I sit at the desk again, watching his eye…
Steerforth was considerate, too; and showed his consideration
Steerforth's place was at the bottom of the school…
'Since you expect me, Mr. Creakle, to justify myself,' said Steerforth…
I soon forgot him in the contemplation of Steerforth…
Ham was quite as earnest as he.
Chapter 8: My Holidays
'He is your brother,' said my mother, fondling me.
While I sat thus, looking at the fire, and seeing pictures…
When we had had our tea, and the ashes were thrown up…
In the evening, sometimes, I went and sat with Peggotty…
What irksome constraint I underwent, sitting in the same attitude …
Chapter 9: I Have A Memorable Birthday
I left Salem House upon the morrow afternoon.
'I have been acquainted with you,' said Mr. Omer, after watching me…
The chaise soon came round to the front of the shop…
There are many faces that I know, among the little crowd…
Chapter 10: I Become Neglected, And Am Provided For
Mr. Barkis came into the house for Peggotty's boxes.
It looked just the same, except that it may, perhaps, have shrunk…
'Ah! said Mr. Peggotty, taking up her curls, and running them…
The days passed pretty much as they had passed before…
Away we went, however, on our holiday excursion…
With morning came Peggotty; who called to me, as usual…
I had been out, one day, loitering somewhere…
Chapter 11: I Begin A New Life On My Own Account…
Mr. Quinion then formally engaged me to be as useful as I could…
Mrs. Micawber was quite as elastic.
Yet I held some station at Murdstone and Grinby's too.
Mr. Micawber had a few books on a little chiffonier…
Mr. Micawber's affairs, although past their crisis, were very…
Chapter 12: Liking Life On My Own No Better…
I had grown to be so accustomed to the Micawbers…
I think, as Mrs. Micawber sat at the back of the coach…
My box was at my old lodging, over the water…
Chapter 13: The Sequel Of My Resolution…
Sleep came upon me as it came on many other outcasts…
'Oh, what do you want?' grinned this old man…
My bed at night was under another haystack…
I inquired about my aunt among the boatmen first…
'I am David Copperfield, of Blunderstone, in Suffolk…'
My aunt was a tall, hard-featured lady, but by no means ill-looking.
The bath was a great comfort. For I began to be…
'Well, well!' said my aunt, 'the child is right to stand by…'
Chapter 14: My Aunt Makes Her Mind Up About Me
I promised to obey, and went upstairs with my message…
My aunt smoothed her dress and shook her head…
Miss Murdstone, during the latter portion of the contest…
'But about the respectable business first,' said my aunt.
Miss Betsey, without taking the least notice of the interruption…
Chapter 15: I Make Another Beginning
When the pony-chaise stopped at the door, and my eyes…
At length, much to my relief, my aunt and Mr. Wickfield came back…
By five o'clock, which was Mr. Wickfield's dinner-hour…
Chapter 16: I Am A New Boy In More Senses Than One
The schoolroom was a pretty large hall, on the quietest side…
As he held the door open with his hand, Uriah looked at me…
'If it is miserable to bear, when she is here,' he said…
He had a way of writhing when he wanted to express enthusiasm…
It was very pleasant to see the Doctor with his pretty young wife.
The daughter had sat quite silent and still during this speech…
We all drank the toast, and all shook hands with Mr. Jack Malon…
Chapter 17: Somebody Turns Up
'Trotwood,' said Mr. Dick, with an air of mystery…
These Wednesdays were the happiest days of Mr. Dick's life…
One Thursday morning, when I was about to walk…
We entered a low, old-fashioned room…
I had begun to be a little uncomfortable, and to wish…
It was a little inn where Mr. Micawber put up…
I felt the utmost sympathy for Mr. and Mrs. Micawber…
Chapter 18: A Retrospect
It is a summer evening, down in a green hollow, at the corner of a wall.
Generally, but not always. Sometimes brighter visions rise before me.
Chapter 19: I Look About Me, And Make A Discovery
In pursuance of my aunt's kind scheme, I was shortly…
We were to drink tea at the Doctor's.
'Now let us see,' said Mrs. Markleham, putting her glass to her eye…
The main object on my mind, I remember, when we got…
Being then in a pleasant frame of mind…
Chapter 20: Steerforth's Home
'Now, Copperfield,' said Steerforth, when we were alone…
Her own views of every question, and her correction…
It was no matter of wonder to me to find Mrs. Steerforth…
Chapter 21: Little Em'ly
We bade adieu to Mrs. Steerforth and Miss Dartle…
'Servant, sir,' said Mr. Omer. 'What can I do for you, sir?'
As they had spoken in a subdued tone…
We left the room, in compliance with this request.
A murmur of voices had been audible on the outside…
Mr. Peggotty, in simple earnestness, waved his right arm…
So Mr. Peggotty went into my old room to fetch little Em'ly.
Chapter 22: Some Old Scenes, And Some New People
He gave such a start when I put my hand upon his shoulder…
'She must be newly rigged,' said Steerforth…
I looked at the doorway and saw nothing.
From this employment she suddenly desisted…
I never did in my days behold anything like Mowcher…
With the bag slung over her arm, and rattling…
'Martha wants,' she said to Ham, 'to go to London.'
Chapter 23: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession
I made allowance for Steerforth's light way of treating…
My aunt finished eating the piece of toast on which…
Doctors' Commons was approached by a little low archway.
In the space within the horse-shoe, lower than these…
Chapter 24: My First Dissipation
I acted on Mrs. Crupp's opinion, and gave the order…
Owing to some confusion in the dark, the door was gone.
Chapter 25: Good And Bad Angels
'It is very bold in me,' said Agnes, looking up again…
I had never before seen Agnes cry.
I was much impressed by the extremely comfortable…
As she was not among people with whom I believed…
Something in the emphasis he laid upon the kindling…
A timely observation of the sense of power that there was…
Chapter 26: I Fall Into Captivity
We were very pleasant, going down, and Mr. Spenlow gave me…
There was a lovely garden to Mr. Spenlow's house…
The idea of dressing one's self…
All I know of the rest of the evening is, that I heard…
Miss Murdstone had been looking for us.
Mrs. Crupp must have been a woman of penetration…
Chapter 27: Tommy Traddles
In a corner of the room was something neatly covered up…
Traddles rose from his chair, and, with a triumphant smile…
Mr. Micawber immediately reappeared, and shook hands…
Chapter 28: Mr. Micawber's Gauntlet
I suppose — I never ventured to inquire…
He comprehended everybody present, in the respectful bow…
'Very well,' said Mrs. Micawber.
Our conversation, afterwards, took a more worldly turn…
'Why, Daisy, old boy, dumb-foundered!' laughed Steerforth…
'I tell you what, Steerforth,' said I…
Chapter 29: I Visit Steerforth At His Home Again
Mrs. Steerforth was particularly happy in her son's society…
One other little circumstance connected with Miss Dartle…
Chapter 30: Loss
Mr. Omer's face and manner went for so much…
Hearing this, and learning that Mr. Peggotty was there…
Chapter 31: A Greater Loss
'You're first of the lot, Mas'r Davy!' said Mr. Peggotty with a happy face.
He pushed me hastily into the open air…
At length I ventured to take his hand…
Chapter 32: The Beginning Of A Long Journey
He walked a little in front of us, and kept before us…
It was between nine and ten o'clock…
Miss Mowcher sat down on the fender again, and took out…
I gave Miss Mowcher my hand…
No Littimer appeared. The pleasanter face which had replaced his…
She now observed to me, aloud, resuming her former restraint…
The mere vehemence of her words can convey…
Chapter 33: Blissful
We were a little like undertakers, in the Commons…
I must say that I had my doubts about the strict justice of this…
I have set all this down, in my present blissful chapter…
I shall never have such a ride again. I have never had such another.
I was intoxicated with joy. I was afraid it was too happy to be real…
'You didn't care for that happiness in the least,' said Dora…
Chapter 34: My Aunt Astonishes Me
'My dear Copperfield,' cried Traddles, punctually appearing…
I was unwilling to damp my good friend's confidence…
Chapter 35: Depression
My aunt was walking up and down the room when I returned…
How miserable I was, when I lay down!
I explained with tolerable firmness…
I was completely bewildered between Mr. Spenlow…
We found my aunt alone, in a state of some excitement.
'I have been thinking, Trotwood,' said Agnes, diffidently…
'Well, Wickfield!' said my aunt; and he looked up at her…
'Uriah Heep,' said Mr. Wickfield, in a monotonous forced way…
Chapter 36: Enthusiasm
In this state, I went into a cottage that I saw was to let…
How could it be anything else! His pockets were as full of it…
I was pretty busy now; up at five in the morning…
I hardly know which was the better pleased, Traddles or I.
These observations, and indeed the greater part…
On looking at Master Micawber again, I saw that he had a certain…
Chapter 37: A Little Cold Water
Dora came to the drawing-room door to meet me…
I was going on at a great rate, with a clenched hand…
Chapter 38: A Dissolution Of Partnership
I was always punctual at the office; at the Doctor's too…
Here she ceased; and snapping her reticule again…
'You are right,' interrupted Mr. Spenlow, nodding his head…
There was a serenity, a tranquillity, a calm sunset air…
I was surprised, when I came within sight of our office-door…
It appeared a wonderful thing to me, but it turned out…
Chapter 39: Wickfield And Heep
Arrived at Mr. Wickfield's house, I found, in the little lower room…
'Ah, Agnes!' said I, when we were sitting together…
I had no longer any doubt on the subject.
Towards the twilight I went out by myself…
'Before we leave the subject, you ought to understand,' said I…
'What's the matter?' said Uriah, turning of a deadly colour.
The door opened, and Agnes, gliding in…
Chapter 40: The Wanderer
We shook hands heartily. At first, neither of us could speak a word.
'When I come to any town,' he pursued…
'Oh what will you feel when you see this writing…'
Chapter 41: Dora's Aunts
I was a little disappointed, I must confess, but thoroughly…
His honest face, as he looked at me with a serio-comic…
Each of the sisters leaned a little forward to speak…
Now, although I had not received any express encouragement…
Miss Lavinia then arose, and begging Mr. Traddles to excuse…
I was wonderfully relieved to find that my aunt and Dora's aunts…
Chapter 42: Mischief
My heart quite died within me.
I never was so pleased as when I saw those two sit down together…
We were now within the little courtyard…
This was to the Doctor, who had moaned.
'I am sure,' said Uriah, writhing himself into the silence…
I could not see him for the tears which his earnestness…
In the morning, when I came out, the early church-bell was ringing…
When I think of him, with his impenetrably wise face…
Chapter 43: Another Retrospect
Peggotty comes up to make herself useful, and falls…
I go home, more incredulous than ever, to a lodging…
Chapter 44: Our Housekeeping
I took another turn across the room, full of love for my pretty wife…
The next domestic trial we went through, was the Ordeal of Servants.
My poor little wife was in such affliction…
First of all, she would bring out the immense account-book…
'Please let me hold the pens,' said Dora.
Chapter 45: Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt's Predictions
'Now, boy,' said Mr. Dick…
It was fortunate he had proceeded so far with his mystery…
The gentleness of the Doctor's manner and surprise…
When I had finished, Annie remained, for some few moments…
I pondered on those words, even while I was studiously attending…
I used to think there were so many whom you might have married…
Chapter 46: Intelligence
'Mr. James and myself have been abroad with the young woman…'
'When it was clear that nothing could be done, Miss Dartle —'
I saw, by the change in her face, that someone was advancing behind me.
He looked almost like a man inspired, as he said it.
Chapter 47: Martha
The neighbourhood was a dreary one at that time…
Her sobs broke out afresh, and she murmured some inarticulate…
I read, in every word of his plain impressive way…
It was midnight when I arrived at home.
Chapter 48: Domestic
At last I ran away myself…
I pressed Traddles into the service without his knowledge…
In fulfilment of the compact I have made with myself…
Dora had helped him up on the sofa…
Chapter 49: I Am Involved In Mystery
'My best regards to Mr. Thomas Traddles…'
We acknowledged his politeness, and made suitable replies.
Without attending to this invocation…
'My employer, ma'am — Mr. Heep…'
I really had some fear of Mr. Micawber's dying on the spot.
Chapter 50: Mr. Peggotty's Dream Comes True
Now much disturbed, and dazzled…
When Miss Dartle spoke again, it was through her set teeth…
Rosa Dartle sprang up from her seat; recoiled…
Chapter 51: The Beginning Of A Longer Journey
He was more affected by this act of kindness…
I could not repress a cry of joy.
He forgot nobody.
I changed the subject by referring to Emily.
After a stroll about the town I went to Ham's house.
With a slight wave of his hand…
We brought the locker out, extinguished the candle…
Chapter 52: I Assist At An Explosion
I strolled into the country for an hour or so…
I had not seen Uriah Heep since the time of the blow.
Uriah fell back, as if he had been struck or stung.
After some rubbing of the lower part of his face…
Mr. Micawber was so very much struck by this happy rounding off…
Mr. Micawber read on, almost smacking his lips…
I whispered a few words to Agnes, who was weeping…
Here, Mrs. Heep broke out again…
'Excuse me, dear Mr. Copperfield,' said the poor lady…
Chapter 53: Another Retrospect
It is night; and I am with her still.
Chapter 54: Mr. Micawber's Transactions
I don't know that Mr. Micawber attached any meaning…
'My dear Copperfield,' said Traddles…
'Then I am delighted to say,' cried Traddles…
Seeing that Traddles now glanced anxiously at my aunt again…
We went back next day to my aunt's house…
Chapter 55: Tempest
It was a murky confusion — here and there blotted…
I hastily ordered my dinner, and went back to the yard.
There was a bell on board; and as the ship rolled and dashed…
Chapter 56: The New Wound, And The Old
That Mrs. Steerforth might not be induced to look behind her…
She said it with a taunting pride in the midst of her frenzy…
Chapter 57: The Emigrants.
I had told Traddles of the terrible event, and it had greatly…
Mr. Micawber withdrew, and was absent some little time…
With that he flourished off the contents of his little tin pot…
I went down again next morning to see that they were away.
Chapter 58: Absence
I had found a packet of letters awaiting me but a few…
I cannot so completely penetrate the mystery of my own heart…
Chapter 59: Return
I had seen nothing like this since I went away…
Observing that he slightly faltered…
They were a perfect nest of roses; they looked so wholesome…
Altogether, it was a scene I could not help dwelling on…
As the little man put his now empty glass to his lips…
I found it not difficult, in the excitement of Mr. Chillip's own brain…
Chapter 60: Agnes
My aunt withdrew her eyes from mine…
She smiled again, and went out at the door by which she had come.
His bowed head, and her angel-face and filial duty…
Chapter 61: I Am Shown Two Interesting Penitents
After we had both laughed heartily…
Now, it struck me, when we began to visit individuals…
I observed that several gentlemen were shading their eyes…
General commiseration. Several indignant glances directed at me.
Chapter 62: A Light Shines On My Way
I echoed it, parted from my aunt…
'I must say more. I cannot let you leave me so!'
'I am so blest, Trotwood.'
Chapter 63: A Visitor
'Let him come in here!' said I.
We silently observed him as he sat, still looking at the fire.
Mr. Peggotty pointed to a certain paragraph in the newspaper…
Chapter 64: A Last Retrospect
And lo, the Doctor, always our good friend…
