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Audiobooks > Juvenile Fiction >  Classics > The Prince and the Pauper
The Prince and the Pauper Audiobook, by Mark Twain Play Audiobook Sample

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3.62 out of 53.62 out of 53.62 out of 53.62 out of 53.62 out of 5 (3.62) - 191 customer ratings
The Prince and the Pauper Audiobook, by Mark Twain Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Mark Twain Narrator: Steve West Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: August 2011 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481571753
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Publisher Description

They look alike, but they live in very different worlds. Tom Canty, impoverished and abused by his father, is fascinated with royalty. Edward Tudor, heir to the throne of England, is kind and generous but wants to run free and play in the river—just once. How insubstantial their differences truly are becomes clear when a chance encounter leads to an exchange of clothing—and roles. The pauper finds himself caught up in the pomp and folly of the royal court, a role which is further complicated when the king dies soon after the switch; and the prince wanders horror-stricken through the lower strata of English society.

Out of the theme of switched identities, Mark Twain fashioned both a fiery assault upon social hypocrisy and injustice and a riotous comedy filled with high-spirited play.

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Quotes

  • “A long, very readable narrative, extravagant in its substance, but simply told.”

    - New York Times

  • “Funny, adventurous, and exciting, yet also chock-full of…exquisitely reasoned harangues against society’s ills.”

    - Christopher Paul Curtis, Newbery Medal–winning author

  • “The tale is full of romantic surprises, and besides being rich in historical facts and teachings, is charged with a generous and ennobling moral.”

    - Harper’s Monthly, 1882

  • “The Prince and the Pauper is called by its author Mark Twain ‘a Tale for Young People of All Ages.’ We might add that it is a tale for old people of all ages as well...Its humour is delicate; its fun joyously real; and its pathos tender and deep. It does one good to read it, and that in these days is saying a great deal.”

    - Graphic (London), 1882

  • “The characters come and go, live and breathe, suffer and rejoice, in an atmosphere of perfect reality, and with a vivid identity rarely to be found...The story is told with ineffable humor...full of a really admirable lesson, admirably told.”

    - Edinburgh Scotsman, 1881

Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was interesting. I think everyone should read it. "

    - Darren, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Twain was fastenated by twins, as his writing name implies. I liked this book as a child, and I also loved the Disney version. I was in love with the girl who plays the princess. "

    - Peter, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Okay at the beginning I thought this book was crap...but since it was an assigned book I never really got into it because we had to stop at certain chapters each night. But when I read I big stretch of it was getting better, then it ended. "

    - Eleanora, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is amazing. One of Mark Twain's best. Great plot, lots of action, and good description. It is a must read "

    - Asher, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found the first several chapters rather tedious. Probably because there was So! Much! Description! I really couldn't care less about all the pomp and ceremonies involved with royal living. Things only got interesting for me when Tom displayed his compassion and became more comfortable in kingly attire. The young King's adventures with ruffians and kindhearted Miles Hendon were quite exciting as well. All in all, The Prince and the Pauper is a solid tale with plenty of valuable lessons to be learned. "

    - Kristine, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I knew the gist of the story, but there's a lot more to it. Great read. Also, my first Mark Twain book. "

    - Will, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyed it classic Twain humor! "

    - Darla, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Don't let the disney craptastic cartoon adaptation fool you, this is a great work with fairy tale allures. "

    - Frank, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Read in summer of 2012 "

    - Kate, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was all right, but not exceptional. I suppose I should have chosen a different book as my first foray into Mark Twain's writing. "

    - Erin, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a pretty famous and pretty fun historical fiction about Edward VI. Twain, master of American dialect, turns out to be pretty good at stilted English court speech as well. This plot works in the fine old tradition of mistaken identity. "

    - J., 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a timeless story. Mark Twain is a master at both storytelling and creating interesting characters. "

    - Melissa, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I liked it well enough, but it is not the best. "

    - Cara, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic story of mistaken identity, set in the days of Henry VIII. Twain manages to make both the titular characters fully realized characters and not just pious cutouts--they're both heroic figures, but they have flaws that make them more than puppets in a morality play. The best character, however, is Miles Hendon, the nobleman who takes in Prince Edward when he is lost and wandering. His affection for and devotion to the prince (whom he thinks is mad) is charming, and I really rooted for him. "

    - Jennifer, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " There is something of the spirit of Shakespeare in Twain's novel. The author deftly weaves humor, pathos, and suspense to create a story that provokes both emotion and reflection. The characters of Tom and Edward, while simple, are no less three-dimensional. One may laugh one moment and tear up as the next page is turned. The absurdity of a hierarchy based on birth, as well as the cruel injustices of Henry VIII's England are given a sound and hilarious beating in The Prince and the Pauper. A must-read for Twain fans. "

    - Monique, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Mark Twain is certainly an expert at creating vivid images using elaborate and evoking language. During the description of what an English court was like, I felt awed by the splendor and grandeur of the entire place. The story was well told and somehow, no matter how impossible it may be, I felt like Twain was able to make this story halfway believable. I could have wished for a little more dialogue, for it seems the author opted to serve as the all-seeing bard rather than allow the individual characters to develop the plot on their own. I felt like I was reading a children's story that used adult words and length. Overall, The Prince and the Pauper was enjoyable and sparked my imagination. "

    - Natalie, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another good one by Mr. Twain to give a look across the fence. "

    - Tom, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This is Mark Twain so I couldn't really "Hate" it. It does have all the charm and social satire that he is famous for. However, this book is not one of my favorites. It just seems a little redundant after a while. Everyone constantly addresses the fact that once switched the prince and the pauper seem mad. After a while it gets old and it was hard for me to character about the titular characters. However, I do really love the character of Hendon who "adopts" the prince while he is the street largely because he feels sorry for a complete stranger and wants to protect him. Overall, just okay but no Tom Sawyer. "

    - Kelsey, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I'm thrilled to read this to my 9 year old son. It's been one of my favorite books for 20 years. "

    - Lauren, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " "The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain is a story about two young boys, who are around the same age, but have totally different backgrounds. One of the boy named Tom Canty is an unloved son of a beggar and a thief. The other boy named Edward Tudor is the next male heir to the throne of England. One afternoon, they decide to trade their clothes and lives. Throughout the novel, they experience each others completely different lives. Each having their own problems and worries. Towards the end of the book, although they return to their normal positions again, they still dearly remember the adventure that they both individually had and their bond of friendship grew. I highly recommend this book to people who love books with conflicts and complexity like I do. "

    - ChloeL, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fabulous! Such a great moral to a story.... Excellent "

    - Amy, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I finally finished this book! Though I enjoyed the story line, it took me awhile to get through all the historical descriptions in the book. Honestly, I ended up skipping a lot of paragraphs where he described the dress, ceremonies, etc. in great detail. Overall though, it was pretty good. "

    - MeChel, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not quite what I was expecting from ol' Mark Twain, but it was a fun story. There wasn't quite as much adventure and a lot more explainery than I would have liked, but it was obvious Twain had an agenda hiding behind this "children's story." The unjustice, unmerciful, and ignorant were exposed in all their horrific glory. It's worth reading. "

    - Morgan, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book. Quick paced. And I'll be damned if there weren't some solid lessons and commentaries to consider. "

    - Sara, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A conceit, but not as big a conceit as the similarly-themed Puddenhead Wilson "

    - Newengland, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A good story, if you push through the language obstacle. Makes me think of Christ in that He descended below all, in order to understand His people. "

    - Yvette, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It is strange how much writings from the same author can differ from one another. This is a wonderful book, but very unlike Twain's Mississipi lingo. "

    - Kathryn, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Twain was fastenated by twins, as his writing name implies. I liked this book as a child, and I also loved the Disney version. I was in love with the girl who plays the princess. "

    - Peter, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this awhile ago so I don't remember much other than I really enjoyed it and was glad I read it. "

    - Rachel, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interesting view into English history. Really enjoyed the story and how quickly the pauper adapted to his new surroundings. A fun lighthearted read. "

    - Are, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book because it reinforces what I've always thought about people being pretty much the same, whether rich or poor. "

    - Paulette, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not quite what I was expecting from ol' Mark Twain, but it was a fun story. There wasn't quite as much adventure and a lot more explainery than I would have liked, but it was obvious Twain had an agenda hiding behind this "children's story." The unjustice, unmerciful, and ignorant were exposed in all their horrific glory. It's worth reading. "

    - Morgan, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Novel untuk remaja. Sederhana namun bukannya tanpa makna. Kejadian-kejadian yang dialami sang Pangeran terbuang sepertinya banyak diduplikasi dalam cerita-cerita modern. Mungkin juga dalam sinetron yang sayangnya diangkat dengan berlebihan. "

    - Rizky, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The hero of the story is an arrogant prick, but that's kindof the point. He feels like a genius among stupid children, when he really only has the advantage of time. "

    - Mary, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite Mark Twain books. "

    - Kristin, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another book that sparked my interest in British history, history of insular peoples, all history, historical fiction, go go go for it. Henry the 8th and his children had what to do with American history? If you don't know or care, read it for the story! "

    - Thannasset, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Bit long winded, but just for fun, it was a good story that was well told. I think I'd watched the movie one too many times to get the full enjoyment out of the book! "

    - Ruth, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It still makes me cry. "

    - Alice, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book, it's one of my favorites. I love Tudor era, and I adore the boy king Edward VI (I firmly believe that he would have been a very great king if he had lived longer). All the tale involving a young prince and a yound pauper that are exactly the same age (they were born the same day) and being the two of them very look-a-like, they began an adventure that all of you must read. It's a lovely story. "

    - Inés, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The story of a prince, Prince Edward, and a pauper, Tom Canty, who meet by chance and decide to live each others lives for a while. "

    - Marts, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The only people worse than the rich are the poor. In fact, that serves as a fine review of Robert Frost, as well. "

    - Aneece, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The writing was hard to get through, but the story is classic. "

    - Hannah, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This may be my first Mark Twain since school and Huckleberry Finn and I loved it. Very exciting, funny, touching, and with a great moral to the story. "

    - Robertjaynes, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " ok book for someone who has nothing else to read "

    - Frederick, 12/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I usually LOVE Twain. But this one was my least favorite of his. Can't tell you why though. Maybe I should re-read it. "

    - Mrs., 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good but didn't meet expectations for Twain. "

    - Laura, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a timeless story. Mark Twain is a master at both storytelling and creating interesting characters. "

    - Melissa, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Oh Mark Twain. So humorous! "

    - Veronica, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Reading this classic doesn't feel like reading a classic. "

    - Kristen, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I learned a lot about the Prince of Wales, and how the British kingdom worked. "

    - Montana, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My first foray into Tudor times and role switching in literature. "

    - Gaile, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was entertaining and funny in parts. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew more about English history. Nevertheless, I'm glad I read it. "

    - Kate, 12/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I learned a lot about the Prince of Wales, and how the British kingdom worked. "

    - Montana, 12/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " was a little hard to follow "

    - Schuyler, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " this is cool and nothing like the barbie version. LOL! "

    - Jacqui, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " When I compare this book to others by Twain, it is definately not my favorite. However, Mark Twain is a master writer. Four stars when compared to Twain's other books. Five stars when compared to other writers. Blah, I hate the starred rating system. "

    - Melinda, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " a fun read. alot of funny satire about england. similar theme as in puddenhead wilson "

    - Eli, 11/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved the details in this book a lot. I could really see the dirty details of London in that era, from the description. "

    - Nikki, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is my favorite Twain book. His writing is wonderful. It's humorous and witty and there is lots of irony as well. It is also very descriptive of the times. "

    - Angelyn, 11/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I usually LOVE Twain. But this one was my least favorite of his. Can't tell you why though. Maybe I should re-read it. "

    - Mrs., 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " One of Twain's lesser works, but still fun reading. "

    - Stephen, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It is a wonderful story abt 2 people -- a prince and a pauper -- who exchange thier livesand face a lot of Problems . So i want u all to read it and enjoy !!!! "

    - Yashi, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Lately, I find I want to read the classics. I hadn't read this one and enjoyed the story. There are some good lessons here. "

    - Lisa, 11/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this awhile ago so I don't remember much other than I really enjoyed it and was glad I read it. "

    - Rachel, 11/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It is about a prince and a pauper who traid places thinking the other to have more fun tan them...but realize they were more content before "

    - Lynnae, 10/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It is a perfect book as both a brief introduction to England history and a literature gem. "

    - Evangeline, 10/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I have always loved this book, even as a small I child I used to think about how awesome it would be to change places with a prince, or in my case, princess. Usually I'm reading YA novels, but I've got to read a classic every once in while. And this is one of my favorites! "

    - Kacii, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Alright and a fun plot but nothing extroidinary. "

    - Kami, 10/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Cute, well-written and with a nice plot. "

    - Marina, 10/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A fair enough short-story, but not much of a point to it. "

    - Darius, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a great story! I could hardly stop reading it. It seems like so many threads can be explored within it's text but Twain does an amazing job of just telling a story. I find myself thinking on different parts of it often though it's been a while since I finished it! "

    - Breanne, 10/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It is strange how much writings from the same author can differ from one another. This is a wonderful book, but very unlike Twain's Mississipi lingo. "

    - Kathryn, 10/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A light, easy fable featuring charming little boys walking in each other's shoes. I took this with me when I went backpacking in Alaska to offset my anxiety about grizzly bears. "

    - Laurel, 10/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very good. The orignal story has been changed so much by various people (Disney). It was refreashing to read the real story. "

    - melody, 9/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. Lots of long passages of description "

    - Abby, 9/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Cute, well-written and with a nice plot. "

    - Marina, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Mi legis kiam mi havis 13 jarojn kaj simple pripensis "kio se estus mi...?" "

    - Trio, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " always good to read a classic tale. "

    - Jill, 8/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved it and all the lessons that can be applied. I think I can read this with my children in a couple of years. "

    - Salinda, 7/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed it thoroughly. Mark Twain just has a way of telling a story. "

    - James, 7/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this to my kids and we loved it! The language was a little hard for them, so I "translated" every now and then. But all the adventure, the history, and the moral lessons were well worth the effort. Mark twain is a genius! "

    - Michelle, 7/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Much more moral-bound than Sawyer & Finn - The Prince and the Pauper covers the story of two children who accidentally find themselves swapped in society. Each learn of the others spoils and much hypocrisy of royal and class society is exposed. Good book. "

    - Jason, 6/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " All the cod Tudor English began a little wearing and the story itself is rather drawn out. Might have made a better long short story or novella. beginning to realise that twain's reputation rests on little of real substance other than sawyer/Finn and some good short stories "

    - John, 6/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this to my kids and we loved it! The language was a little hard for them, so I "translated" every now and then. But all the adventure, the history, and the moral lessons were well worth the effort. Mark twain is a genius! "

    - Michelle, 6/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Clever and satirical, Mark Twain as always. "

    - Marko, 5/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It still makes me cry. "

    - Alice, 5/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A delightful story that brings into question justice, not just in the Tudor days, but in the 19th Century when Twain wrote it. "

    - Rob, 5/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enojoyed this book. It deserves its fame. "

    - Willow, 5/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Mark Twain - great novelist. I learned the poetry of a novel. "

    - Gregory, 4/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Read in summer of 2012 "

    - Kate, 4/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really liked this book. It really captured the social structure of early England. He wrote it as a children's book, but I don't think I'd let my young children read it. "

    - Suzi, 4/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " You'd never guess that these characters were created by the same man who created Tom Sawyer. Twain has the most amazing talent to effortlessly weave a great story. "

    - Allison, 3/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book because it reinforces what I've always thought about people being pretty much the same, whether rich or poor. "

    - Paulette, 3/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read it back when I was six or seven. Enjoyed it, but not as much as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". "

    - Florin, 1/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A good story, if you push through the language obstacle. Makes me think of Christ in that He descended below all, in order to understand His people. "

    - Yvette, 1/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I liked it. I'm pretty sure I was vaguely familiar with the story based on a Mickey Mouse cartoon I saw when I was younger. I liked the language Twain used for the dialogue and the descriptions of England. "

    - Tommy, 1/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " If you like Twain's style (rough, yet ultimately insightful), you'll enjoy this. Certainly not "Huckleberry Finn", but at least it's a quick read "

    - Michael, 1/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is no match for the genius of Huckleberry Finn, but it has it's moments of charm. I personally think that Twain makes better use of the doppelgangers switching places in Pudd'nhead Wilson. "

    - Linds, 1/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a good classic to finally read and my first Mark Twain novel. It was a quick easy and enjoyable read, but the simple story just doesn't justify more than three stars. "

    - Janelle, 1/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was the first book that i read n believe me this book influenced me a lot towards reading! "

    - I, 1/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This might have earned four stars except that it simply didn't live up to the charm of Tom Sawyer. If you write something that fantastic, all other efforts are doomed in comparison...but there are moments of genius, for sure! "

    - Jane, 12/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I thought the story was fairly entertaining. I am not a details guy and some parts definately got bog down in details. All in all, I am glad I read the book. "

    - Bryce, 12/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was a challengeing read, but now I know what type of English to expect from future Mark Twain books. "

    - Todd, 10/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It's one of those stories where you know it has to work out in the end, but getting there is what gets you into the story. Twain really makes you feel for and care what happens to the characters. "

    - Alicia, 9/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I have always loved this book, even as a small I child I used to think about how awesome it would be to change places with a prince, or in my case, princess. Usually I'm reading YA novels, but I've got to read a classic every once in while. And this is one of my favorites! "

    - Kacii, 8/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " So far we both like it. "

    - Joyce, 7/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Don't get me wrong - this is a wonderful book. I just didn't quite understand it. It had a language that didn't quite get through to my head. I really want to read it again sometime, when I'm older and actually get it. "

    - Banana, 7/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Two youths, both from entirely different worlds, are in for the ride of their lives as they both walk a mile in the others shoes. "

    - Nathaniel, 6/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " By accident I ended up reading this story about an ancient mysteriously disappearing Haggadah at Passover time. Much better than the Da Vinci Code. Why did I read that? "

    - Neena, 6/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I saw a play adapted from the book and was inspired to read it. "

    - Robert, 6/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Some great historical references, writing is a bit simplistic, but the story is pretty good. Outstanding outsider's view into life at that time in both the ruling class and the lower class. "

    - Summer, 5/31/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Bit long winded, but just for fun, it was a good story that was well told. I think I'd watched the movie one too many times to get the full enjoyment out of the book! "

    - Ruth, 5/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This may be my first Mark Twain since school and Huckleberry Finn and I loved it. Very exciting, funny, touching, and with a great moral to the story. "

    - Robertjaynes, 4/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Some great historical references, writing is a bit simplistic, but the story is pretty good. Outstanding outsider's view into life at that time in both the ruling class and the lower class. "

    - Summer, 4/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Portray life on both sides of the fence in a time long ago. "

    - Erik, 3/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very intresting book with lots of action and fun but lacks in detail and the ending isn't anything special. "

    - Waqar, 3/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " More Dickens than Twain, this book seems very dated and would have zero appeal for modern young people for which it was written. I listened to the audio version and perhaps it is better read. Tudor English is very tedious to listen to for any length of time. A period piece. "

    - Diane, 2/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting book. Had to read for English class. Didn't relate to my life at all, but I'm happy about the happy ending. Learned some interesting things about the English court. "

    - Jared, 2/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I wrote a 10 page essay on this book my senior year of high school. I never thought my teacher would actually let me read it because it's a 'kid's book.' I just wanted to read something Mark Twain because he makes me laugh. No exception here. Good 'kid's book' and good 'adult's book.' "

    - Kori, 1/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this to the kids. I had to skim over a couple of scenes that would have been too much for them, but we all loved the language, the insights and the wittiness. It was a page turner as well, the kids did not want me to put it down. "

    - Karen, 1/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book because it reinforces what I've always thought about people being pretty much the same, whether rich or poor. "

    - Paulette, 12/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was recommended by my friend Jory. I loved it. Written in old English, but the story had lots of twists and turns and it kept me reading. "

    - Lynette, 12/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 'Bout time I got around to reading this. If it's by Mark Twain, I figured I needed to pay him his due respect. Plus, since I live in a monarchy, there was that added twist of irony for me. "

    - Mary, 11/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Ok book. Not too long for a classic. "

    - Sarahlynn, 10/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very fun, very funny. Interesting to see the parallels in the story to Huck Finn. "

    - Sam, 10/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Now I am at the part in which Tom and Edward are at a festable. I am on page 53 "

    - Rasha, 10/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is one of those stories you think you know...and then you read it. I was delightfully surprised and really enjoyed the book. It is short, colorful and full of adventure. Highly recommend for a good quick read. "

    - Rebecca, 9/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " very different feel from Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn- it has almost a shade of Dickens but better...everything is there like Dickens but pared down. Mark Twain keeps a terrific balance b/t heart breaking and hilarious human antics. "

    - Debby, 8/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. It was quite a bit different than the other versions I have seen in film. "

    - Josh, 8/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a cute story that is very easy to read. I enjoyed it more than Tom and Huckleberry, to be honest. "

    - Katelin, 8/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I've known the story for many years, but although I've seen movies I had never read the original book. Very good, and like many older books, the vocabulary and language used seems more grown up for a children's story than would be used today. "

    - Jan, 7/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " pagerunning...loved it , althouge some part are so predactable . "

    - Fawaz, 6/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I LEARNT OF CHANCES, LUCK AND OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE AND HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF EACH SITUATION. "

    - LINA, 6/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Boring, then EXCITING!, then boring again. "

    - June, 6/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I have always had a soft spot for the 'poor' and reading this book as a young child helped me realise that poverty is not necessarily monetary- plus it's the only book that talks of the Royal Scratcher of the Nose!! Or was it the Scratcher of the Royal Nose? I forget. "

    - samwan, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a cute little story that Samuel Clemons wrote for his daughters. About good and even. Good does win out. "

    - Vickie, 6/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " this is cool and nothing like the barbie version. LOL! "

    - Jacqui, 5/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The story of a prince, Prince Edward, and a pauper, Tom Canty, who meet by chance and decide to live each others lives for a while. "

    - Marts, 5/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book because it reinforces what I've always thought about people being pretty much the same, whether rich or poor. "

    - Paulette, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Again, since I probably read this when I was 7 or 8 I don't think I truly appreciated it. I don't honestly remember if it was better than a 3/5. "

    - Amy, 4/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " not bad. better than i had expected. story felt too long for itself though. "

    - Emily, 4/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Funny, this one I was rereading from my childhood. I am in a group of women and we decided to read something that we had read and enjoyed as a child, but as I read it this time, I found myself skimming through it, not really enjoying the old English language used in the book. "

    - Donna, 4/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " To be honest I don't remember what exactly it was about, having read it quite a while ago... "

    - Sofia, 4/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It has always been hard for me to read in Old-World English and this was no exception. I just couldn't get into it, because I couldn't understand the language. "

    - Denise, 4/1/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " (Audio book)It took a while to warm up to it, but once I did I found it very enjoyable. "

    - Camilla, 3/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I saw a play adapted from the book and was inspired to read it. "

    - Robert, 3/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Imaginative story. Makes me glad to middle class and living in the 21st century. "

    - Nadine, 3/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Mark Twain's wit and timeless insights on the inequities of society ring true today. This is a delightful book. "

    - Brittany, 3/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I always get so bogged down by the language of the book that it takes me a while to remember why I love this one so much. A great story where good always triumphs. A great read. "

    - Heather, 3/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Big Toe Books. Lovely book. "

    - Laura, 2/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Regretfully I suspect that very soon some *great* and *creative* mind, will be *inspired* to write a sequel to this truly great story, depicting prince William's experience of spending night on the street with homeless folks (I do sympathize with those, perhaps even more so than William himself) "

    - Alex, 2/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " asal pengarangnya mark twain, pasti semangat bacanya! "

    - Trisha, 2/18/2011

About the Author

Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel L. Clemens (1835–1910), was born in Florida, Missouri, and grew up in Hannibal on the west bank of the Mississippi River. He attended school briefly and then at age thirteen became a full-time apprentice to a local printer. When his older brother Orion established the Hannibal Journal, Samuel became a compositor for that paper and then, for a time, an itinerant printer. With a commission to write comic travel letters, he traveled down the Mississippi. Smitten with the riverboat life, he signed on as an apprentice to a steamboat pilot. After 1859, he became a licensed pilot, but two years later the Civil War put an end to the steam-boat traffic.

In 1861, he and his brother traveled to the Nevada Territory where Samuel became a writer for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, and there, on February 3, 1863, he signed a humorous account with the pseudonym Mark Twain. The name was a river man’s term for water “two fathoms deep” and thus just barely safe for navigation.

In 1870 Twain married and moved with his wife to Hartford, Connecticut. He became a highly successful lecturer in the United States and England, and he continued to write.

About the Narrator

Steve West, the winner of multiple Earphones Awards for narration, is an international actor who has starred on London’s prestigious West End stage, including productions of Mamma Mia! and Oh, What a Night! He is widely known for his television and film work in both the United States and the UK, and he has performed for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He hosts his own television show for the UK live from Los Angeles.