Il principe e il povero

Di Mark Twain

Cura e traduzione di Riccardo Reim
Edizione integrale

Una bizzarra coincidenza, una prodigiosa rassomiglianza, uno scambio di vestiti fatto per gioco da due ragazzi… Su tali semplici elementi è costruito questo celebre libro di Mark Twain, che attinge a un motivo ricorrente della narrativa universale: lo scambio di ruoli. È quanto fanno Edward, erede al trono d’Inghilterra, e il piccolo vagabondo Tom Canty, rischiando, senza volere, di non poter più tornare indietro, vittime di loschi trafficanti o di funzionari ottusi. Tom e Edward (il futuro Edoardo VI, figlio di Enrico VIII, che passerà alla storia come uno dei sovrani più illuminati) vivranno innumerevoli avventure, e quindi la “favola con morale” troverà il suo lieto fine. Twain conduce la narrazione con grande perizia e con il suo consueto humour, nonché con una salutare dose di antidoto democratico alle romantiche idealizzazioni di un passato che l’America aveva abiurato.
Mark Twain
pseudonimo di Samuel Langhorne Clemens, nacque a Florida (Missouri) nel 1835. Ex tipografo ed ex battelliere, scrisse, dopo la guerra civile, i suoi capolavori, legati alla stagione dell’infanzia e al paesaggio del Mississippi: Le avventure di Tom Sawyer (1876) e Le avventure di Huckleberry Finn (1884), entrambi pubblicati dalla Newton Compton. Morì a Redding nel 1910.

• Lingua: Italiano
• Editore: Newton Compton Editori
• Data di uscita: 19 feb 2015
• ISBN: 9788854176966

Mark Twain

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American humorist and writer, who is best known for his enduring novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which has been called the Great American Novel. 

Anteprima del libro

1. La nascita del principe e del povero

Nell’antica città di Londra, in un giorno d’autunno della metà del sedicesimo secolo, venne al mondo in una povera famiglia a nome Canty un bimbo maschio che nessuno desiderava. Nel medesimo giorno, nella potente famiglia dei Tudor, nasceva un altro bambino, atteso e desiderato non solo dai genitori, ma da tutta l’Inghilterra. Gli inglesi avevano anelato e sperato per anni quella nascita, avevano pregato Dio per lui, e adesso che erano stati esauditi sembravano quasi impazziti per la gioia. C’era chi si abbracciava pur conoscendosi a malapena, chi si baciava, chi piangeva. Tutti si concessero una vacanza, nobili e plebei, ricchi e poveri, e festeggiarono con canti e danze, e banchettarono e si ubriacarono per giorni e notti, tutti insieme.

Durante il giorno Londra era un vero spettacolo, con bandiere multicolori che garrivano al vento dai balconi e dai tetti delle case, e splendidi cortei che sfilavano lungo le strade. Di notte lo spettacolo mutava, ma era altrettanto splendido, con gli enormi falò accesi a ogni angolo di strada e turbe di festeggianti che facevano baldoria all’intorno.

Non si parlava d’altro, in tutta l’Inghilterra, che del bambino appena venuto al mondo, Edoardo Tudor, Principe di Galles, il quale, da parte sua, dormiva placidamente, avvolto nel lino e nella seta, ignaro di tutto quel trambusto e infischiandosene della mobilitazione dell’intera nobiltà del regno attorno alla sua culla. Nessuno, invece, parlava dell’altro bambino, avvolto nei suoi poveri cenci, se non la miserabile famiglia che lui era appena venuto ad affliggere con la sua presenza.

2. L’infanzia di Tom

Lasciamo passare un po’ di anni.

Londra era una città antica di quindici secoli, e anche molto grande per quei tempi: contava circa centomila abitanti, ma c’è chi dice che fossero addirittura il doppio. Le vie erano strette, sporche e tortuose, specie nella zona dove abitava Tom Canty, poco distante dal London Bridge. Le case erano di legno, con il secondo piano che sporgeva rispetto al primo e il terzo che stendeva i suoi gomiti oltre il secondo. Insomma, si allargavano via via che aumentavano di altezza. Lo scheletro degli edifici era costituito da pesanti travi, incrociate, con materiale solido nel mezzo, e i muri erano intonacati a calce. L’intelaiatura esterna delle travi, dipinta vivacemente di blu, di rosso o di nero, conferiva a tutto l’insieme un aspetto alquanto pittoresco. Le finestre erano piuttosto piccole, fornite di minuscoli vetri sfaccettati, e si aprivano verso l’esterno girando su dei cardini simili a quelli delle porte.

La casa in cui abitava il padre di Tom era situata in fondo al vicolo Pudding in uno spiazzetto angusto e sporco chiamato Offal Court: era piccola, cadente, traballante, gremita di famiglie miserabili. La tribù dei Canty occupava una stanza al secondo piano. Il padre e la madre avevano una specie di giaciglio in un angolo, ma Tom, sua nonna e le sue due sorelle Bet e Nan non avevano neppure quello e dormivano qua e là sul pavimento, dove capitava. C’erano, è vero, lì nella stanza i resti – diciamo i brandelli – di due o tre coperte e qualche fagotto contenente un po’ di vecchia e umida paglia, ma davvero non si potevano chiamare letti: ogni mattina venivano ammucchiati a calci in un angolo, e poi, la sera, ognuno pigliava a caso il suo dalla catasta.

Bet e Nan avevano quindici anni ed erano gemelle. Erano delle ragazzine di buona indole, vestite di stracci e profondamente ignoranti. Proprio come la loro madre. Il padre e la nonna, invece, erano una coppia diabolica. Si ubriacavano ogni volta che potevano, e poi si azzuffavano tra loro o con chiunque capitasse sulla loro strada: bestemmiavano e imprecavano di continuo, da ubriachi e anche da sobri. John Canty faceva il ladro e sua madre l’accattona. Avevano avviato all’accattonaggio pure i ragazzi, ma non erano riusciti a farne dei ladri.

In mezzo all’orrenda canaglia che popolava Offal Court – senza però farne parte – si trovava anche un buon vecchio prete che il re aveva privato di un tetto conferendogli una pensione irrisoria. Si chiamava padre Andrews, e spesso radunava intorno a sé i ragazzi insegnando loro, di nascosto, a essere delle persone oneste. A Tom aveva insegnato anche a leggere e a scrivere, oltre a un po’ di latino, e sarebbe stato disposto a fare lo stesso anche con le sue sorelle, ma loro si erano rifiutate temendo lo scherno delle amiche, che di sicuro non avrebbero tollerato raffinatezze così fuori luogo.

Tutta Offal Court somigliava all’alloggio dei Canty: un alveare turbolento di ubriachezza, schiamazzi e risse che si susseguivano giorno e notte senza interruzione. Le teste rotte erano comuni quanto la fame. Eppure Tom non si sentiva infelice. La sua era una gran brutta vita, ma lui non se ne rendeva conto, perché tutti gli altri ragazzi là intorno se la passavano più o meno allo stesso modo. Quando la sera tornava a casa a mani vuote, sapeva benissimo che sarebbe stato picchiato prima da suo padre e poi dalla sua terribile nonna; ma poi, durante la notte, la mamma, per quanto affamata lei pure, gli avrebbe portato di nascosto qualche avanzo o qualche crosta di pane messa da parte, pur sapendo che se il marito l’avesse colta sul fatto sarebbero volati pugni e schiaffi per ricompensarla di un gesto del genere.

Insomma, Tom pensava di tirare avanti abbastanza bene, specie in estate. Mendicava appena quanto bastava per evitare le botte, anche perché le leggi contro l’accattonaggio erano piuttosto severe e le pene pesanti; così trascorreva buona parte del suo tempo ad ascoltare le fantastiche antiche storie e le leggende di giganti, gnomi, fate, castelli incantati, re e principi che gli narrava il buon padre Andrews. La sua testa era piena di immagini meravigliose, e spesso, la notte, mentre giaceva sulla paglia stanco, affamato e dolorante per le percosse ricevute, sbrigliava l’immaginazione dimenticando ben presto la sua grama esistenza raffigurandosi in modo delizioso l’incantevole vita di qualche principe coccolato e viziato in un palazzo regale.

E fu così che, pian piano, cominciò a sorgere in lui un curioso desiderio: quello di vedere con i propri occhi un autentico principe, in carne e ossa. Una volta ne parlò agli altri ragazzi di Offal Court, ma quelli lo presero talmente in giro che da quel giorno in poi preferì tenere il suo bel sogno tutto per sé.

Spesso Tom leggeva i vecchi libri del prete e poi faceva una quantità di domande, chiedeva spiegazioni. E a poco a poco tutto quel leggere e quel sognare finì per cambiarlo. I personaggi che riempivano i suoi sogni erano così belli che cominciò a detestare i suoi stracci sudici. Non smise certo per questo di giocare in mezzo al fango – e divertendosi, anche –, ma quando se ne andava a tuffarsi nel Tamigi, invece di limitarsi a sguazzarci dentro solo per spasso, prese l’abitudine di restarsene a bagno fino a sentirsi pulito o quasi.

Tom trovava sempre il modo di andarsene a Maypole, a Cheapside o a qualche fiera; di tanto in tanto, poi, poteva divertirsi (come del resto tutta Londra) assistendo a una bella parata militare quando qualche disgraziato di alto lignaggio veniva portato prigioniero alla Torre, per via di terra o in battello. Un giorno d’estate vide la povera Anne Askew e tre uomini bruciare vivi sul rogo a Smithfield, e ascoltò pure il sermone che un ex vescovo fece ai condannati, anche se quest’ultima parte della cerimonia non lo interessò affatto. Sì, a conti fatti la sua vita, nell’insieme, era abbastanza varia e piacevole.

Alla lunga, però, Tom si trovò talmente imbevuto di letture e di sogni sulla vita dei principi, che cominciò ad atteggiarsi, senza rendersene conto, come se anche lui fosse un principe. La sua maniera di esprimersi e i suoi gesti divennero curiosamente raffinati e cerimoniosi, suscitando ammirazione e divertimento fra i suoi amici e coetanei. La sua influenza su di loro crebbe rapidamente di giorno in giorno, e alla fine cominciarono a guardarlo con una sorta di timore reverenziale, quasi fosse un essere superiore. Sapeva di tutto, faceva e diceva cose straordinarie, e quanto era saggio!… Le parole e le prodezze di Tom vennero riferite dai ragazzi ai genitori, e questi pure presero a considerare Tom Canty come una persona davvero fuori del comune. Uomini maturi gli prospettavano i loro problemi, restando a bocca aperta per l’ingegnosità e l’intelligenza delle sue risposte. Insomma, Tom era diventato un eroe per tutti quelli che lo conoscevano, salvo per i suoi familiari, che continuavano a non trovare in lui nulla di straordinario.

Pian piano, di nascosto, Tom riuscì a organizzare una vera e propria corte reale: lui era il principe, e i suoi amici più stretti recitavano i ruoli di guardie, ciambellani, scudieri, gentiluomini e membri della famiglia reale. Ogni giorno il finto principe veniva accolto con un complesso cerimoniale che Tom aveva preso a prestito dalle sue letture romantiche: ogni giorno gli affari del finto reame venivano discussi dal Consiglio della Corona, ogni giorno l’immaginaria Sua Altezza emanava ordini e decreti a beneficio del suo esercito inesistente, delle sue navi fantastiche, dei suoi luogotenenti immaginari.

Dopodiché, esaurite le sue reali incombenze, Tom tornava a vestire i suoi soliti cenci, a elemosinare qualche soldino, a mangiare qualche misera crosta di pane, a pigliarsi la solita razione di botte e rimproveri… Poi, non appena poteva sdraiarsi sul suo sudicio mucchietto di paglia, ecco che ricominciava con le vuote grandezze dei sogni.

Così, il desiderio di vedere, sia pure soltanto per una volta, un vero e proprio principe in carne e ossa continuava a crescere sempre più in lui, giorno dopo giorno, settimana dopo settimana, finché a un certo punto finì per assorbire ogni altro desiderio, divenendo l’unica aspirazione della sua vita.

Un giorno di gennaio, Tom come al solito mendicava, arrancando intirizzito avanti e indietro tra Mincing Lane e Little East Cheap da ore e ore; era scalzo, e lanciava occhiate fameliche alle vetrine dei salumieri dove troneggiavano in bella vista favolosi pasticci di maiale e altri manicaretti del genere: cose che lui non aveva mai assaggiato, ma che era convinto dovessero essere cibo degli angeli, almeno a giudicare dal profumo. Cadeva una pioggerella gelata, il cielo era grigio… proprio una giornata malinconica.

Quella sera, Tom rientrò a casa talmente bagnato, sfinito e affamato che persino il padre e la nonna, a modo loro, si mossero a compassione per il suo stato pietoso: si limitarono a dargli solo uno scapaccione prima di mandarlo a dormire.

Per un bel pezzo la sofferenza e la fame, il chiasso e le imprecazioni che risuonavano nella stamberga lo tennero sveglio; poi, finalmente, i suoi pensieri fuggirono verso remote contrade, e si addormentò in compagnia di gentiluomini ingioiellati che vivevano in grandi palazzi, con stuoli di servi in livrea pronti a eseguire qualsiasi ordine. E poi, come al solito, sognò di essere lui stesso un principe.

L’incanto durò per tutta la notte: Tom si aggirava in mezzo a cavalieri e dame, tra sfavillanti luci e soavi profumi, ascoltando musiche meravigliose, rispondendo con un sorriso o un lieve cenno del capo ai rispettosi omaggi della folla di cortigiani che faceva ala al suo passaggio.

E quando al mattino si destò trovandosi immerso nel desolante squallore di sempre, il sogno ebbe l’effetto di peggiorare dolorosamente il sordido aspetto di ciò che lo circondava. Allora Tom si sentì sommergere dal dolore e dallo strazio. E pianse.

3. L’incontro di Tom con il principe

Tom si alzò affamato, e affamato uscì di casa: bighellonò in giro con lo stomaco vuoto ma la testa ancora piena dei meravigliosi splendori notturni. Vagava qua e là per le strade, senza neppure accorgersi di quanto accadeva intorno a lui né rendersi conto di dove stesse andando. La gente lo urtava, qualcuno addirittura lo insultò, ma tutto questo veniva ignorato dal ragazzo completamente immerso nelle sue fantasticherie. A un certo momento, si ritrovò a Temple Bar, il punto più lontano dove mai si fosse spinto in quella zona della città. Si fermò un attimo a riflettere, poi ricadde di nuovo nei suoi sogni e senza neppure accorgersene oltrepassò le mura di Londra. A quel tempo lo Strand non era considerato una strada di campagna, bensì un’autentica via cittadina, anche se poi in effetti non lo era: infatti, sebbene su un lato sorgesse una fila abbastanza compatta di case, sull’altro si vedevano soltanto pochi edifici isolati, e questi ultimi erano dimore nobiliari circondate da vasti e splendidi giardini che giungevano fino alla riva del fiume: giardini che oggi sono diventati aride distese di sassi e di mattoni.

Poco dopo, Tom scoprì Charing Village, e si fermò accanto alla bellissima croce eretta da un re in lutto dei tempi andati; quindi proseguì per una strada alquanto isolata, superò la maestosa residenza del Gran Cardinale e si diresse, un po’ più in là, verso un palazzo di gran lunga più splendido e sfarzoso: Westminster. Si fermò, sbalordito, ad ammirare la colossale costruzione, le innumerevoli finestre, i poderosi bastioni e le torri, l’ampio ingresso in pietra con il grande cancello dalle sbarre dorate, il gruppo di giganteschi leoni di granito e tutti gli altri segni e simboli della sovranità inglese. Quello era davvero il palazzo di un re. Il suo desiderio stava dunque per essere esaudito? Chissà, con l’aiuto del cielo sarebbe forse riuscito a vedere un principe in carne e ossa.

Ai due lati del cancello si trovavano due statue viventi, vale a dire due maestosi armigeri, impettiti e immobili nelle loro lucenti corazze di acciaio. A rispettosa distanza, si trovava un gruppetto di contadini e qualche curioso venuto dalla città con la speranza di poter sbirciare qualcosa degli splendori regali. Infatti, meravigliose carrozze con dentro meravigliosi gentiluomini e fuori meravigliosi staffieri, entravano e uscivano di continuo dai numerosi altri cancelli che, oltre a quello principale, si aprivano nella cinta reale.

Il povero piccolo Tom, avvolto nei suoi stracci, si accostò lentamente e timidamente, e stava quasi per superare le sentinelle con il cuore in tumulto per la grande emozione, quando attraverso le sbarre dorate scorse qualcosa che quasi lo fece urlare dalla gioia.

Al centro del cortile c’era un bel ragazzo, abbronzato dagli sport e dal moto all’aria aperta: i suoi vestiti di seta e di raso scintillavano di gioielli; portava al fianco una piccola spada e un pugnale tempestati di gemme, calzava morbidi stivali rossi come il berretto che portava piantato spavaldamente sul capo e su cui si incurvavano alcune piume cremisi fermate da una gemma sfolgorante. Aveva accanto a sé numerosi gentiluomini abbigliati anche loro con grande eleganza: i suoi servi, certamente. Oh, si trattava di un principe, un principe vivo e vero, senza ombra di dubbio!… Finalmente, pensò Tom, la sua ardente preghiera era stata esaudita!

Quasi senza fiato, con le gambe tremanti e gli occhi sgranati per lo stupore e l’eccitazione, Tom si disse che il momento tanto atteso era finalmente giunto: si sarebbe avvicinato al principe e lo avrebbe guardato a lungo, così a lungo da riempirsi il cuore e la mente della sua immagine… Così, senza nemmeno rendersene conto, cacciò la testa tra le sbarre del cancello.

Un attimo dopo, uno dei soldati lo strappò via di lì con violenza, scaraventandolo con uno spintone in mezzo alla folla di villici e di curiosi.

«Tu, piccolo accattone!…», gli sbraitò dietro. «Stai bene attento a quello che fai!».

Dalla folla si levarono grida e risate di scherno; ma il giovane principe si precipitò verso il cancello, scarlatto in viso per la collera, gli occhi fiammeggianti per l’indignazione, gridando: «Come osi maltrattare in quel modo un povero ragazzo? Come osi maltrattare anche il più umile fra i sudditi del re mio padre?… Apri subito il cancello e lascialo entrare!».

Allora la folla di contadini e di perdigiorno – sempre pronta, al solito, a mutare opinione – si mise a lanciare in aria i cappelli, applaudendo e urlando in tono entusiasta: «Lunga vita al Principe di Galles!».

I soldati presentarono le armi (ovvero le alabarde), aprirono il cancello e di nuovo le presentarono al passaggio del piccolo Principe della Miseria che, sparuto e cencioso, andava a stringere la mano al Principe della Sconfinata Ricchezza.

Edward Tudor disse: «Hai l’aria stanca e affamata, e sei stato maltrattato… Vieni con me».

Una mezza dozzina dei presenti si fece avanti per… per intromettersi, probabilmente; ma vennero subito respinti da un cenno deciso della piccola mano reale e se ne restarono immobili a metà strada, come un gruppo di statue.

Edward Tudor condusse Tom in un fastoso appartamento del palazzo – che disse essere il suo studio – e fece servire un pasto come Tom non aveva mai conosciuto prima, neanche nei suoi sogni. Con squisita delicatezza e sensibilità il principe congedò i servi affinché l’umile ospite non fosse messo in imbarazzo dalla loro presenza; quindi si sedette accanto a Tom che nel frattempo aveva iniziato a mangiare e prese a fargli delle domande.

«Come ti chiami?»

«Tom Canty, signore, se non vi spiace».

«È un nome bizzarro. E dove abiti?»

«In città, signore, se non vi spiace. A Offal Court, dalle parti di Pudding Lane».

«Offal Court?!… Altro nome bizzarro. Hai i genitori?»

«Sì, signore, li ho, e ho pure una nonna alla quale non sono per niente affezionato – che Dio mi perdoni… E poi ci sono le mie due sorelle gemelle, Nan e Bet».

«Da come parli mi sembra di capire che tua nonna non sia granché buona con te».

«Non è buona con me come non è buona con nessun altro, se non dispiace a Vostra Signoria. Ha il cuore cattivo e in certi giorni è peggio del demonio».

«Ti maltratta?»

«Certe volte no, perché dorme o magari è troppo ubriaca. Ma appena si rimette in sesto, pareggia il conto».

Un lampo furente si accese negli occhi del giovane principe, che gridò: «Ti picchia? Ti dà proprio le botte?»

«Con il vostro permesso, sì, mio signore. Mi dà proprio un fracco di botte».

«Botte!… Botte a un ragazzo fragile e indifeso!… Ascoltami bene: prima di notte tua nonna verrà rinchiusa nella Torre, te lo prometto. Il re mio padre…».

«A dire il vero, mio signore, non credo che sarà possibile. La Torre è riservata ai personaggi di alto rango, e mia nonna

Recensioni su Il principe e il povero

[danielstj · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

A novel in which a prince and a pauper change places. This must have been novel at the time, though the language and writing falls within the archaic domains. Nevertheless, it is a tale that will keep you reading and it poses its fair share of excitement and adventure.3 stars.

[novak_13 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Only Mark Twain could have turned this hackneyed old concept into a very readable, enjoyable novel. This Reader’s Digest edition had factual historical notes and a good afterword at the end of the book. First class.

[othemts · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

I remember enjoying this book as a child (although I can't remember what age) and since my son is interested in Mark Twain, we listened to the audiobook on a recent road trip. It was a little bit more complicated than I remembered, and frankly we both had trouble following parts of the story, but perhaps that is a challenge of audiobooks compared with print. The basic story is well-known in which the poor and abused Tom Canty meets Prince Edward and discovering they resemble one another, swap clothing. Through a comedy of errors, they are separated and end up with Tom unwillingly becoming king and the prince having to live life at the very bottom of society. All works out in the end, and Twain is probably too kind on Edward VI's actual legacy as king, but the book delves into some of the gritty realities of impoverished masses and the court intrigues of the elites.

[schmerguls · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

I found this an exquisitely funny book and it has lived in my memory ever since I read it in 8th grade.

[fdholt · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Mark Twain’s The prince and the pauper is the story of two boys, Prince Edward and Tom Canty, who meet by chance and decide to exchange clothes with unexpected results. It is also the story of Miles Hendon, knight errant, who stumbles upon a ragged boy and takes an interest. We are drawn into the high courts of Tudor England as well as the slums and prisons and learn quite a bit about the harsh life in those times. Most criminals were sentenced to death, even for thievery of something as simple as a crust of bread. Both boys were appalled and did what they could to make things better for the aristocracy, the middle classes and the poor.I read this book many years ago along with A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court and did not realize the social implications of either. Twain was making a point that life in England was not the rosy picture that many authors painted; he researched his subject and used material written in the 16th century to support his story. (There were some artistic liberties, but then this is a novel.)The dialog was in “Elizabethan” English, which can be hard to understand for some. However, there are some editions that have modernized the language. My copy of the book included endnotes to explain some of the material in the book; reading these gave me a better sense of the story. (However, I could have done without the description of death by boiling in oil!) There was also an afterward by Kenneth Lynn which put the book into perspective in Twain’s literary output, a list of Twain’s major works with original date of publication, and a bibliography of literary criticism current to 1963. Since it is a short novel, The prince and the pauper can be enjoyed by all levels of readers.

[mausergem_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

This is my first book by Mark Twain. It's a fictionised story using some real characters like King Henry VIII and his son King Edward VI.Tom Canty, a begger boy, is very keen on seeing the prince Edward who is the same age that he is. One day when he is roaming in the vicinity of the King's palace, he sees the prince. He is invited into the private chambers of the prince and seeing their remarkable resemblance they decide to play a jest. They exchange clothes and try to act each other's part. Things take a wrong turn and the real prince is thrown out on the streets and Tom is considered as the prince. What follows is a merry adventure for both of them.The conversations in the book are in old English which take a bit of time getting used to but overall it's a fun read. 

[sueincyprus · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

The well-known story set in 1547, when Crown Prince Edward and the (fictional) neglected, impoverished Tom Canty switch places for fun, as they look surprisingly alike, and find themselves stuck in a role entirely different from anything previously experienced.Written for children but some of the incidents are quite shocking so I'd consider it more suitable for teens (and adults) interested in historical fiction of this era. The author evidently researched well, and the detail feels authentic, though I'm no historian. Some of the descriptions are long-winded, but if one accepts the unlikely premise of the story, it's a believable book, well-written and dramatic. I downloaded mine free from Project Gutenberg, but there are many editions in print and electronic form, as well as various TV/film adaptations of this book.

[cyderry · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

I think the majority of readers know the story,the Prince and Pauper who exchange places because of their uncanny resemblance, but I was surprised at the political undertones that were skillfully woven throughout. Twain has shown the cruelty of the time as well as the naivete of the nobility to the hardship inflicted by unjust laws.I usually have a hard time with Classics, but I liked this one.

[deusxmachina-1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

I'm not sure why I love Mark Twain so much, but even this simple, obvious comedy of mistaken identities was a delight. His style is dated, his characters are more often than not cardboard (or archetypes, depending on the benevolence of the reader), his social commentary comes much more often with the mallet than with the scalpel. And still - this was an adventurous romp through the land and society of 16th century England, never in doubt who was the good guys and the villains, and yes, of course I fell in love with Miles Hendon.And I'm not sure, but... this thing was published first in 1881, and of course audience expectations have changed since then, but reading scenes like Tom experiencing for the first time the morning rituals as prince, with the endless ordeals until his clothing finally reaches him, I imagine Mr. Twain sitting at his desk, adding another comma and another element to an already endless list and cackling maniacally while he knows exactly that he's gonna drive his readership insane.And I can't help myself, but I LOVE this attitude in an author.

[delightedlibrarian · Valutazione: 2 su 5 stelle]

SO different from the Disney version its amusing. But it was an interesting read. I wonder whose perspective of history is more accurate, Twains because he was closer in time, or ours because we have more research and available information...

[norabelle414 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Audiobook - Edward VI, Prince of Wales, meets a poor boy named Tom Canty who looks just like him. They trade clothes for fun, which results in the true prince being kicked out of the castle and Tom being confused for the prince. Edward roams around the city being abused by Tom's father, captured and forced to steal by a band of thieves, and getting arrested twice. He learns the true plight of his poorest subjects, which allows him to eventually become a kind and fair king. Tom learns, um, how to behave at a fancy dinner party?The general plot - a poor person and a rich person look alike and trade lives - is timeless and well-known. The details of the plot are just decent historical fiction. It's an interesting look into 1540s England, but not much more. It would have been nice if Tom had learned some kind of lesson in the end, too, like valuing his mother and sister or something. But nope. The narrator, Steve West, was very good, especially considering the dialogue is all Tudor-era-appropriate.

[theokester · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

The Prince and the Pauper is one of those books that part of me always thought I had read because I had seen so many movie adaptations of the book. Some were intended as direct adaptations and others took some significant leeway but they all sort of had a similar vibe. I've always enjoyed Twain but in recent years I've re-realized that I haven't read as many of his novels as I feel I should have. So with that background, I sat down with Prince and the Pauper.In case there are any people unfamiliar with the story, the basic idea is that we are in ~1600s London and there is a young prince who happens to meet a pauper who has an uncanny twin-like resemblance to the prince. Through some unintended circumstances, the prince ends up kicked out of his own castle while the pauper is set up as the prince in his place. Each boy tries to acclimate to his new surroundings and deal with the extreme change in social class. Further complications arise when the King dies and it is announced that the prince is to be crowned King of England.The first thing that struck me with this book was the style. Twain has always been one who is noted for his rhetoric and his use of dialect and style in such a way as to portray the era and culture he is trying to represent. As such, he writes this book with a somewhat stilted and formal narration filled with "thy"s and "thou"s and "wherefore"s. I had no problem with the language, I just wasn't expecting it. Whether or not it actually added to the tone and nature of the book, I'm not quite sure. I don't think it painted the scene quite as much as do the dialog of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer but I was still impressed with his use of vocabulary and style to help convey a certain time period.I also naturally discovered quick differences between the book and the various movie versions. In most of the movie adaptations I've seen, the Prince and Pauper decide to switch places as a sort of game and they are both excited at the idea of swapping roles. In the book, the prince notices their similar appearance and suggests they exchange clothes to see just how similar they might look. The concept of actually exchanging roles never really entered into the discussion and each boy is in fact quite frightened and upset when the exchange occurs.Not being an avid historian, I can't fully speak to Twain's portrayal either of royalty or poverty of the era, but I did feel both a disgust and a compassion upon the poverty stricken of 16th century London. The squalor they were forced to live in was truly unspeakable. What struck me as interesting was the way Twain presented the reality of the situation. Even though the lifestyle was miserable and unhappy, the people had a sense of acceptance and made the best they could out of bad situations. As the prince tried to fit in and adapt to his new circumstances, each time he complained or worried about the filth and poverty he was chided by those around him and they seemed to be accepting and perhaps even unconsciously ignorant of their plight. It's an interesting social idea and seems to push the idea that those who haven't ever known better never really aspire to better or those who see no opportunity for social mobility are content to stay where they are, no matter how awful. I personally think that mindset may be somewhat true but I think more likely is that those living in poverty were frankly just too exhausted and overwhelmed with trying to survive that they seldom had energy to think about was to escape their situation, let alone to devise a method to climb the social ladder.I found myself comparing the life of Twain's prince/pauper in lower class London with Dickens's lower class characters in Oliver Twist or some of his other works. In some ways, I felt like the attitudes of Twain's characters felt a little more realistic but in other instances I felt like Dickens had a better handle on the minds, motivations and actions of the English poor. As I thought about it, I decided that Twain's characters had more "modern" thought processes while Dickens's characters were more likely evocative of a real life citizen of lower class London.The life of the pauper-turned-prince in the palace is interesting but is often treated with much less detail and consideration than our prince-turned-pauper. We see snippets of life in the castle as the pauper tries to understand his new role and become accustomed to being waited on by attendants on all sides. After a variety of worrisome advisement from counselors and even the king, the young pauper finally takes the role upon himself and does his best to pretend at being the prince. Fortunately he has a few trusted advisors. While they don't believe that he is actually a pauper (everyone thinks he's gone mad), they do work to help him carry out his duties with gentle nudges and whispered reminders of proper behavior and etiquette. Once the king dies, the prince is expected to oversee various declarations and judgements and Twain takes this opportunity to provide some "Solomon-like" deliberations in court to showcase the young pauper's compassion as well as his quick thinking and wit.Meanwhile, the prince-turned-pauper finds himself fighting for survival in lower class London and finally making friends with a man who also doesn't believe the change in roles (he also thinks the boy must be crazy) but he pretends to believe and acts to help the prince in a variety of ways. The prince never tries to adapt himself to the world of the lower class. He continually tries to convince everyone of his royal lineage and rights. Naturally this doesn't help his situation get any better and in most cases it results in ridicule or harassment of some type.The high level plot is comical and often used throughout drama and literature. Offhand I can't think how many Shakespearean plays have to do with mistaken or switched identity either with twins or disguise or some other form of subterfuge. Twain uses this oft used trope to bring a lot of light hearted comedy to an investigation of the inequality of social classes and the unbalanced nature of cultural distinctions. The story was very entertaining and had plenty of Twain's quick wit and snarky humor. Beyond the simple humor and the fun, cute story, there is a lot of great material to think about both from social standpoints and from the aspect of literary scholarship. I think it would be entertaining some day to compare Twain's London with Dickens's London or to evaluate Twain's social concerns from this book with any of the various social problems of modern society.I had a lot of fun reading this book and definitely recommend it. The reading, tone and nature of the writing could be very accessible and entertaining to young readers. Some of the language may be harder for elementary school kids but they would likely enjoy having it read to them. Older readers will enjoy the quick wit, nuanced humor and insightful perspectives on social inequality. Overall this is a great book that is definitely overshadowed by Twain's larger works and as such is likely often overlooked. While it may not be quite as rich as Twain's more impactful books, it definitely stands on its own as a solid classic.4.5 out of 5 stars

[ntempest_1 · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

Possibly my favorite Twain novel. So many people know the basics of this story that I think few of them ever read the original anymore. The politics and social commentary in this book are some of the best Twain produced. His subtle condemnation of the way society separated the haves and have nots during his day (and still does, if truth be told) is spot on and utterly compelling, all without compromising story or character.

[tadad_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

The basic story line of The Prince and the Pauper is probably familiar to everyone as it has become a Hollywood staple in a long series of movies: screen adaptations of varying qualities of the book directly, as well as basic plot lifts like "A Change of Place" or "Model Behavior". Twain’s book is more than just the piece of Hollywood froth into which it’s generally made, however. The ironic and amused tone that is present in so many of his works is much reduced; Twain’s reflections on his subject are darker and pointed. There is humor in the book...a fair amount of it...but there is also a very direct criticism of social systems where the ordinary person is at the mercy of authority, reflections on "the grass is always greener...", and the folly of judging someone by their appearances or circumstances.The novel is a bit slower-paced than his more famous works and a modern editor would probably cut a bit of Edward’s continual ranting about his rights when taken for Tom. Nonetheless, as with every Twain novel I’ve tried, this one is worth reading.

[nm9fall079schora · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

this book was really interesting but in some parts of it this book was confusing because you didn't know who was who. The prince and the pauper had many lessons in it that i think where interesting. I liked that the prince got to experience how life was for many people. He realized that his life was pretty great compaired to other people's. I think that elementry or middle school students would like this book better than adults and teens.

[puuchan_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

One day two babies was born. But they are very different lives-one is aprince, the other is a pauper. Ten years later, they change p;aces.I was excited thinking what will happen next.And courage of the prince moved me.But i dont like the end of this story. I was disappointed.

[john257hopper · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

This classic story of mixed identity between the boy King Edward VI and pauper Tom Canty is a heartwarming and easy read. Mark Twain's first historical novel, it follows the tradition of of 19th century historical novels in telling as much about the assumptions of the time it was written (1881) as about the time it is set (1547), e.g. in terms of Royal mercy and concern for the poor. The language is a joy to read and this Kindle edition contains all the many illustrations.

[cbl_tn · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

After a chance meeting, Edward, Prince of Wales (son of Henry VIII) and poor Tom Canty, curious about what it would feel like to wear the other's clothes, swap clothes. They are both astonished when they look in a mirror and realize their extraordinary likeness. Tom looks like the prince in the prince's clothes, and Edward looks like Tom in Tom's rags. While still wearing Tom's clothes, Prince Edward ends up outside the palace grounds. No one believes him when he says he is the Prince of Wales. No one believes Tom when he says he is not the prince. Their inability to recognize faces and surroundings that should be familiar is blamed on a fit of madness. Then Henry VIII dies, and both boys despair of ever going back to their rightful places.Although I've been familiar with the basic plot for as long as I can remember, this is the first time I've read the story. I had formed an impression that the prince was a fictional character, so I was surprised when he turned out to be Edward VI. (I have no doubt that Tom Canty is fictional, though!) If I had known how much I would enjoy the story, I wouldn't have put it off for so long. Even though the outcome is never in doubt, each boy's adventures in the other's world kept me a captivated listener. The only negative feature worth noting is the overly flowery language, which doesn't seem anywhere close to authentic. While this is a classic of children's literature, the language will probably cause many 21st century young readers to lose interest before the plot takes hold of them.

[bookwyrmm_1 · Valutazione: 2 su 5 stelle]

I think I just did not like the style, or maybe it is because I knew the concept of the story, but I had a very hard time pay attention to this one even though I liked the narrator's voice and he did an great job narrating. I tried reading it when I was younger, and could not get into it then, either.

[sean191 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

The Prince and the Pauper reminded me very much of Adventures of Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn. There were last second rescue, unbelievable circumstance, local dialects (or an estimation of them at least) abusive fathers, faithful companions...the list goes on. Unfortunately, I don't think Twain did as good a job tapping into old England as he did to the Mississippi river area.

[gbill_7 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

"The Prince and the Pauper" is a simple read and has a fairly predictable ending; I don't think it will knock anyone's socks off, but it is well written and a bit of a classic. Twain's original concept of switching roles and fortunes is also one that has been often copied (e.g. the movie "Trading Places" with Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd :-).There is an interesting undercurrent in the book, for while Twain mocks royalty overtly in scenes such as one with the attendants passing the king's clothes one by one down to him through a long line like a fire brigade, he also does this more subtly. In putting royalty in the context of the 16th century and its way of life - which included many examples of needless violence and cruel torture, ignorant superstition, and fundamental unfairness - Twain shows it as outmoded as all of those things. It is arbitrary and corruptible, he is pointing out, and hereditary power for the few while many suffer is wrong. It is a novel set in London and Dickensian in style, but it has an American message at its core.Quotes:"...when the office of Taster had its perils, and was not a grandeur to be desired. Why they did not use a dog or a plumber seems strange; but all the ways of royalty are strange.""None believe in me - neither wilt thou. But no matter - within the compass of a month thou shalt be free; and more, the laws that have dishonoured thee, and shamed the English name, shall be swept from the statute books. The world is made wrong; kings should go to school to their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy.""...they stepped upon London Bridge, in the midst of a writhing, struggling jam of howling and hurrahing people, whose beer-jolly faces stood out strongly in the glare from manifold torches - and at that instant the decaying head of some former duke or other grandee tumbled down between them, striking Hendon on the elbow and then bounding off among the hurrying confusion of feet. So evanescent and unstable are men's works, in this world! - the late good king is but three weeks dead and three days in his grave, and already the adornments which he took such pains to select from prominent people for his noble bridge are falling.""Once when his royal "sister", the grimly holy lady Mary, set herself to reason with him against the wisdom of his course in pardoning so many people who would otherwise be jailed or hanged or burned, and reminded him that their august late father's prisons had sometimes contained as high as sixty thousand convicts at one time, and that during his admirable reign he had delivered seventy-two thousand thieves and robbers over to death by the executioner*, the boy was filled with generous indignation, and commanded her to go to her closet and beseech God to take away the stone that was in her breast and give her a human heart."* Hume's England

[bookconcierge · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Book on CD narrated by Steve West.Two boys born on the same day in very different circumstances meet and discover they each envy the other’s experiences. But only when they exchange clothes do they realize how identical they are in looks. So much so that Edward, Prince of Wales, is ejected from the palace as a beggar, while the pauper Tom Canty is accepted as the prince, despite their protests to the contrary.This is a wonderful classic that explores the difference in class in 16th century England, and the ways that appearance effects how one is treated. Both boys learn much from their experience as “the other.” Tom learns that a life of luxury is not all it’s cracked up to be; he chafes against the restrictions on his movements, the requirements for certain study, the constant presence of servants and guardians. Edward learns first-hand of the harsh life of his poorest subjects: their reliance on begging, the unfairness of the legal system, the lack of opportunities to improve their lot. Tom uses his new-found position to change some of the laws of the land. Edward learns the value of compassion and kindness. It’s a wonderful lesson in “walking in the other person’s shoes.”One thing that was a little difficult, though was Twain’s use of 16th-century English: “Dost not know thy father, child?” is one fairly easy example, but much of the dialect used makes it that much more difficult for a reader to appreciate the story. Still, it’s worth the effort to persevere. And I would recommend listening to the audio.There are many editions of this classic available. The hardcover text edition I used to supplement my listening was the Oxford Mark Twain with an introduction by Judith Martin and an afterword by Everett Emerson. It includes nearly 200 illustrations by Beverly R David and Ray Sapirstein. It’s really a physically beautiful book.The audio edition I listened to was narrated by Steve West. He did a fine job. He has good pacing, and enough skill as a voice artist to differentiate the various characters.

[josejalapeno_1 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

In this book, Prince Edward and a beggar, Tom Canty, switch places accidentally. They have many different adventures based on what kind of people they were with. It's in England, during the reign of King Henry VIII. Most of the characters were fictionally made. Overall, it was an okay book; but unless you don't enjoy the medieval way the characters talk, then i suggest you don't read this book.

[14hermannsc · Valutazione: 1 su 5 stelle]

I did not like this book because it was very hard to understand (at least the version i read). I think that Mark Twain over did the old english a little bit.

[dbsovereign · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

You can't get what you want unless you see it through someone else's eyes first.

[santhony_35 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

For Christmas, I ordered an mp3 player (Library of Classics) that was pre-loaded with 100 works of classic literature in an audio format. Each work is in the public domain and is read by amateurs, so the quality of the presentation is hit or miss. The premise of The Prince and The Pauper is ages old; two people from wildly divergent ways of life switch places, with predictable consequences. This is a very simple and short story, the protagonists being Edward VI, first Prince of Wales and then King of England, and a penniless ragamuffin. The Prince thinks the carefree lifestyle of the ragamuffin sounds attractive and the pair change clothes and identities.If you can get past the utterly absurd premise that the two boys were so exactly alike that their mothers and closest friends were unable to detect the switch, there are a few amusing scenarios, but the story soon becomes tiresome and maddeningly repetitive. Instead of using fictional characters,Twain uses the historical Edward VI as his Prince, implying that the time spent among the lower classes of his kingdom served to make him a more caring and empathetic monarch. Of course, this holds little historical water, as Edward died at the age of fifteen and was never more than a puppet for the power hungry factions that surrounded the throne. I’m sure there are any number of metaphors and morals to be gleaned from the story, but as simple entertainment, it falls short.

[la2bkk · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

The basic story line offered so much potential for compelling social commentary. However, Twain's effort really accomplished little more than a mildly entertaining novel. While an enjoyable read, particularly for its description of 16th century English society, I was disappointed at the lack of sophistication.

[jovanh470volny · Valutazione: 5 su 5 stelle]

The prince and the Pauper is a well-known story, a classic written by Mark Twain, a superb 19th century writer. This book starts off in London during the rule of Henry VII. On the streets of London resides the Canty family. With a dead beat, drunken, and heavily abusive dad, and no money to fuel his drinking habits, he resorts to violence and beats his only son, and our main character, Tom Canty. When tom was born he was born with the same features and everything, as the prince, Edward, they were even born on the same day and hour. These two young individuals meet each other in a course of different events and decide that they want to have a perspective of the others life, and that it would be easy because of their visual similarities. They later find that this was not as good of an idea as they though it would be. As they face the hardships of each other’s lives. And what is more of a problem; they can’t get a hold of each other to switch back. In a turn of fate they do however, and all things are reversed back and even improved as Edward becomes King, and tom becomes his right hand man.The Prince and the Pauper is a wonderful classic novel, and many have enjoyed it. It’s meant for anyone and has a good meaning intended to the readers. Mark twain is a wonderful author, and writes books such as this that will keep your face glued to the pages. I’d even suggest reading it more than once just because it is that much of an enjoyable read.

[ashryan_1 · Valutazione: 4 su 5 stelle]

Most people are familiar with the basic situation of this classic story, but there is much more to Twain's original version than to its many adaptations. Of course, the crucial fact of these two boys being born in such different circumstances at the same time and identical in appearance and meeting as they do is pretty fabulous, but then, it is intended as a fable. At root, this is a story about the arbitrariness of hereditary nobility in general and monarchy in particular, and in true Twain fashion there are many biting and hilarious scenes. However, Twain fails to be true to his own theme in his resolution, which basically amounts to "...and despite what you would expect from everything that's happened so far, they all lived happily ever after." It would have been much more powerful and memorable had they failed to prove their true identities and the pauper had remained king, and the king a pauper...but I suppose a lot of readers wouldn't have liked that ending (which would have been the point!). But in any case, Twain's story is well worth reading just as it is.

[momma2_2 · Valutazione: 3 su 5 stelle]

Although the kids had a hard time following the story (just like with Shakespeare, must be the Old English) this was a really good book. We just paused periodically to make sure that everyone was up to speed. This was not at all what I expected from Mark Twain although it did bear his hallmark humor. It was like a Tom and Huck scheme gone wrong with thees and thous. It was a much more in depth story than what you might suppose if all you had been exposed to is the animated versions. I was pleased and entertained.