Pudd'nhead Wilson
ByPublisher Description
First published in 1894, 'Pudd’nhead Wilson' is a gripping tale of identity, race, and justice set in a small Missouri town along the Mississippi River. When Roxy, a light-skinned enslaved woman, secretly switches her baby with her master’s white son to save him from a life of bondage, the destinies of both boys are forever altered.
Years later, David "Pudd’nhead" Wilson, a misunderstood lawyer and amateur scientist ridiculed for his odd interests—especially in fingerprinting—becomes entangled in a complex murder case. As the mystery unfolds, Wilson’s unique methods lead to a stunning courtroom revelation that exposes the truth about the boys’ swapped identities and challenges the town’s deeply rooted racial and social prejudices.
With sharp wit and biting satire, Mark Twain critiques the absurdity of racial distinctions and the injustices of slavery and societal labels. 'Pudd’nhead Wilson' combines elements of mystery, drama, and social commentary, offering a powerful exploration of how identity can be shaped—and shattered—by the forces of culture and circumstance.
Download the free Fable app

Stay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
Rate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
Curate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesNo Reviews
Start a Book Club
Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!FAQ
Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?
Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?
How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?
Do you sell physical books too?
Are book clubs free to join on Fable?
How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?