The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
Mark Twain
Read by Michael Yard
In one of his later novels, the master storyteller spins a tale of two children switched at infancy. A slave takes on the identity of master and heir while the rightful heir is condemned to live the life of a slave. Twain uses this vehicle to explore themes of nature vs. nurture, racial bigotry and moral relativism. The case of mistaken identity is a theme that Twain explored also in THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER; in THE TRAGEDY OF PUDD'NHEAD WILSON he turns the theme into a well-crafted detective story. It is unfortunate that this is one of Twain's lesser known works as it is one of his most enjoyable reads. (7 hr 6 min)
Chapters
Pudd'nhead Wins His Name | 14:21 | Read by Michael Yard |
Driscoll Spares His Slaves | 19:36 | Read by Michael Yard |
Roxy Plays a Shrewd Trick | 15:44 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Ways of the Changelings | 22:51 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Twins Thrill Dawson's Landing | 14:26 | Read by Michael Yard |
Swimming in Glory | 13:51 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Unknown Nymph | 8:51 | Read by Michael Yard |
Marse Tom Tramples His Chance | 26:23 | Read by Michael Yard |
Tom Practices Sycophancy | 13:54 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Nymph Revealed | 13:57 | Read by Michael Yard |
Pudd'nhead's Thrilling Discovery | 35:27 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Shame of Judge Driscoll | 16:14 | Read by Michael Yard |
Tom Stares at Ruin | 16:58 | Read by Michael Yard |
Roxana Insists Upon Reform | 26:34 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Robber Robbed | 24:06 | Read by Michael Yard |
Sold Down the River | 10:53 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Judge Utters Dire Prophesy | 6:29 | Read by Michael Yard |
Roxana Commands | 29:51 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Prophesy Realized | 25:15 | Read by Michael Yard |
The Murderer Chuckles | 20:47 | Read by Michael Yard |
Doom | 33:01 | Read by Michael Yard |
Conclusion | 6:03 | Read by Michael Yard |
Author's Note | 11:05 | Read by Michael Yard |
Reviews
Fantastic story/Fantastic Reader
C. Love
one of the other reviews states that the Reader seems uninterested - I have to disagree - it's called narrating - he quite enthusiastically changes tone for each character but has a distinct narration style (maybe it's preference but I think it's nice) recording is clear, the story is wonderful even if you can guess what may happen you still don't know how it will affect the characters - and the man volunteered for us to enjoy the story.... thank you!
Excellent Reading
A LibriVox Listener
Mark Twain is my favourite author, and I haven't found a reader that can do justice to his books like John Greenman can (well, save the author himself).
very engaging
Caroline Willoughby
I really enjoyed this reading, the narrators voice is very calming and shows no comedy but its not needed... the story is a sombre one. I was riveted. thankyou to the reader
Not really Pudd'nhead's tragedy
fcggfdfccccfbgcd f g
Another fantastic tale by Mark Twain, although the ending was pretty predictable within the first chapter or two. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
the webs we weave
pbanditp
Prince and the pauper based in Southern America during the early 1800’s. Good characters and obvious twists but a fun listen
Watchley
I have read many of Twain's a works, a d this is o e of his best.
Wow!
shane miller
One of the best books I have ever read. The reader was great also. Thanks.
Kaye
Bad reading. He sounds like he doesn't want to do it. I quit listening.