The Prince and the Pauper
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, published by Portland House Illustrated Classics in 1988, is a historical fiction narrative that explores themes of class and identity. Set during the time of Prince Edward, who would later become King Edward VI, the story follows the young prince and a pauper named Tom Canty as they switch places, leading to a series of enlightening experiences for both characters. This edition features 294 pages and is presented in English, showcasing Twain’s unique storytelling style.
Readers will find a blend of action and adventure as the characters navigate their new roles, with Prince Edward gaining insight into the lives of commoners while Tom experiences the privileges of royalty. The narrative serves as a social commentary on the perceptions of appearance and status, making it a thought-provoking read. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and includes illustrations by Franklin Booth, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Official synopsis Publisher
Mark Twain’s first attempt at historical fiction, “The Prince and the Pauper”, was first published in 1881. It is a story set in the time of Prince Edward, of house Tudor, who at age nine would become King Edward VI. When young Prince Edward meets a Pauper, Tom Canty, who likes a lot like him, he convinces the two to switch clothes so that they can be mistaken for each other and end up switching places. While they play out their new roles, Prince Edward learns of the struggles of the commoners of England while Tom discovers what it is like to be a Prince and then a King. Twain wrote with regards to his novel that, “My idea is to afford a realizing sense of the exceeding severity of the laws of that day by inflicting some of their penalties upon the King himself and allowing him a chance to see the rest of them applied to others. . .” A delightfully comedic tale, “The Prince and the Pauper” is at its heart a social commentary on judging others simply by their appearance. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and includes the illustrations of Franklin Booth.
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