This story has been a favorite of many since they have read as a child. They have re-read it many, many times, most recently to their own children (who will also enjoy it), and it continues to be rich and engaging. <p> A beggar (Tom Canty) and a prince (Edward Tudor), who look so alike as to be twins, meet and swap clothes for a lark. But an accident of judgment stretches the lark into an adventure, and the adventure into a nightmarish struggle of life and death, honor and dishonor. <p> Hasnt everyone wished to be royalty at some point in their lives? And especially if you were the poorest of the poor, like Tom Canty, wouldnt it be your dearest wish as a child? This is a great and yet fearful adventure, superbly detailed and believable. It was carefully written in such a manner that genuine history leaves it possible. One of Twains best ever.