The Prince and the Pauper

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: Robin Field

After the young Prince Edward VI of England and a peasant boy switch places, the "little king" tries to escape from a world in which he must beg for food, sleep with rodents, face ridicule, and avoid assassination. Meanwhile, the peasant, who is now the prince, dreads exposure and possible execution; members of the Court believe he has gone mad. As a result of the swap, both boys learn that social class, like so much of life, is determined by chance and random circumstance. Originally published in 1881, The Prince and the Pauper is one of Mark Twain's earliest social satires. With his caustic wit and biting irony, Twain satirizes the power of the monarchy, unjust laws and barbaric punishments, superstitions, and religious intolerance. Although usually viewed as a child's story, The Prince and the Pauper offers adults critical insight into a people and time period not really all that different from our own.

Public Domain (P)2011 eChristian

A Charming Story, Masterfully Written and Masterfully Narrated

This is my third book by Mark Twain. I have read about Tom and Huck, and I am happy to have just completed The Prince and the Pauper! It is a very charming story from beginning to end, and Mr. Field did a superb job reading it! He carefully and masterfully portrayed each character, and he showed the talent necessary to do so!

Excellent narration!!

As you are listening, you tend to forget that you are listening to one person narrate and not to a company of actors. Robin Field does a masterful job with all the character's voices, consistent with their personalities and ranks.
The story is a classic, full of great moral lessons and truths sorely lacking in modern tales. A good glimpse of historical England during the time of this novel.
My children and I truly enjoyed this.
The added notes were very useful, giving clarity and explanation to certain phrases and remarks not known to today's or Twain's contemporary audience.

Wonderful story

Mark Twain,s seemingly childlike tale is full of the harshness of life in medieval England. Yet chivalry and compassion are portrayed also.There is a richness to his storytelling that should not be missed.