The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain

The Mysterious Stranger Book download in PDF, ePub & Mobi

by Mark Twain

Satire Fantasy Philosophical fiction Morality Human nature Existentialism Free will vs. Determinism

PAGES
136
ESTIMATED TIME
3 hours 28 minutes
PACE
Intermediate
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED
1916
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
English
DOWNLOADS
1710

The Mysterious Stranger is a novel written by Mark Twain and first published posthumously in 1916.

The novel is set in the year 1590 and tells the story of three boys, Theodor, Seppi and Nikolaus who live happily in a quiet village in Austria called Eseldorf.

Theodor is the son of the organist and through him we know the story in which he narrates how one day appears in the village a young man named Satan, who claims to be an angel and a relative of the fallen angel also called with the same name.

This stranger was very kind to the people and had a charming personality which generated sympathy for the villagers. However, one day Satan claims that he can predict the future and narrates that some future negative events will happen to several loved ones.

The boys, although initially incredulous at such a claim, soon change their minds when the first of the prophecies comes true and beg Satan to intercede with them...

"It was in 1590—winter. Austria was far away from the world, and asleep; it was still the Middle Ages in Austria, and promised to remain so forever. Some even set it away back centuries upon centuries and said that by the mental and spiritual clock it was still the Age of Belief in Austria. But they meant it as a compliment, not a slur, and it was so taken, and we were all proud of it. I remember it well, although I was only a boy; and I remember, too, the pleasure it gave me".

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Copyright info
The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Mysterious Stranger in PDF or ePub.

WHY READ THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER IN 2025?

109 years later, still timely

Twain’s late, unsettling satire drops a sardonic angel into a village and asks if meaning survives illusion. It is funny, bleak, and razor-clear about cruelty, belief, and free will.

TODAY'S CONNECTION

In an age of deepfakes and doomscrolling, this book trains skepticism without surrendering curiosity. Learn to test stories, hold compassion, and refuse easy despair.

Reality tested

Skepticism with heart.

Ethics under doubt

Choice still matters.

Satire that bites

Laugh, then think.

Perfect for

Fans of classical literature Readers interested in philosophy Mark Twain enthusiasts People exploring questions about morality and existence

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About Mark Twain

American wit with moral bite; comedy that protects dignity while exposing cant.

We have 15 books by Mark Twain in the AliceAndBooks library

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