The Prince and the Pauper

XVI century, the throne of England is to be passed to Edward, Henry XVIII's young son. However, the royal ritual is preceded by the most unusual event: the prince accidentally changes places with a common poor boy Tom Canty. Nobody knows about the amazing affair but the boys through it learn the problems of the life different to theirs. Edward learns about the hardships of British people, injustice and cruel executions taking place in London of those times. Tom desperately tries to study all the rituals and traditions of royal life and is thought mad by the court

Here Mark Twain shows the deficiencies of the British royal system and government. To him, the injustice of that times was paid for by many lives. The author's irony is seen most prominent in the description of Tom recklessly using particular crown jewels in the most unfitting manner.

The Prince and the Pauper remains one of the most original historic tales in English-speaking world.