The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s and based on Charles Dickens' semi-autobiographical masterwork, covers the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world in search of his elusive place. From his miserable beginnings to the realization of his talent as a storyteller and writer, David's path is alternately comical and heartbreaking, but always rich in life, color, and compassion.