The Prince and the Pauper, by Mark Twain, is more than a children’s book – it is classical American satirical literature. The story takes place in and around London in 1547, during the Tudor period, under the reign of King Henry VIII. It follows the exploits of two boys, Tom Canty, a pauper, and Prince Edward VI, son of and heir to the King. Ironically, both boys were born on the same day and have similar mannerisms, although their lives are vastly different. Tom is from a very poor family, while Price Edward lives in the lap of luxury. They swap clothes and start living each other’s lives, both learning valuable life lessons along the way. The book also includes: o footnotes provided by Mark Twain himself o illustrations depicting scenes from the story 0 a forward by David A. Everest titled “Life in the Time of ‘The Prince and the Pauper'”