The 1849 novel by Charles Dickens was his favourite, and was slightly autobiographical. It features such memorable characters as Mr Micawber, whose favourite expression was 'in case anything turned up"; and the "ever so 'umble" Uriah Heep, the scheming clerk; and Barkis ("Barkis is willin!") and the slightly simple Mr Dick who was obsessed with King Charles's head, and the amiable but villainous Steerforth who seduces the daughter of the house where David is living; and his kindly old aunt Betsey Trotwood.