The Prince and the Pauper
A Tale for Young People of All Ages
In sixteenth-century London two boys are born on the same day: Tom Canty, in a slum off Pudding Lane, and Edward Tudor, son of Henry VIII. Years later they meet by chance at the palace gates, discover they look exactly alike, and exchange clothes for a lark. The guards throw out the prince, and Tom finds himself heir to the throne, while Edward, in rags, learns what his father's laws do to the poor. Twain published the novel in 1881, calling it a tale for young people of all ages, and it was his first attempt at historical fiction. It is a comedy of mistaken identity with a serious undertow about justice, and the scenes of beggars and gallows are as vivid as the coronation. Read it online in your browser on Vinteuil; the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Prince and the Pauper
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Prince and the Pauper online?
Yes. The Prince and the Pauper opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Prince and the Pauper free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Prince and the Pauper is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Prince and the Pauper in the public domain?
Yes. The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Prince and the Pauper?
About 4 h 39 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Prince and the Pauper?
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is filed under "Fiction" in the Vinteuil library.
