The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson


Read by Michael Yard

(4.5 stars; 79 reviews)

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


(5 stars)

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


(5 stars)

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


(5 stars)

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


(5 stars)

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


(4 stars)

Prince and the pauper based in Southern America during the early 1800’s. Good characters and obvious twists but a fun listen


(5 stars)

I have read many of Twain's a works, a d this is o e of his best.

Wow!


(5 stars)

One of the best books I have ever read. The reader was great also. Thanks.


(1 star)

Bad reading. He sounds like he doesn't want to do it. I quit listening.