The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner

A satirical masterpiece that named an era-and still defines our own.

First published in 1873, The Gilded Age is a bold and biting political satire co-authored by legendary American writer Mark Twain and journalist Charles Dudley Warner. Set in post-Civil War America, the novel follows the Hawkins family and a parade of lobbyists, land speculators, and corrupt politicians chasing wealth and influence in Washington, D.C. and the frontier.

More than just a historical novel, The Gilded Age offers a scathing critique of greed, government corruption, and the illusion of progress-issues that remain deeply relevant in today's political and economic landscape. Its themes of speculative capitalism, moral compromise, and institutional decay echo powerfully in the 21st century.

This exclusive edition includes:

A new introduction written for today's reader, exploring the historical context and modern-day relevance of the novel's themes

A concise author biography detailing the lives and legacies of both Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner

A curated further reading list featuring Twain's major works, acclaimed biographies, and contemporary books that expand on the novel's core ideas

Perfect for readers of classic American literature, political satire, or anyone interested in the roots of corruption and inequality in U.S. history, The Gilded Age remains a powerful, thought-provoking read.

Whether you're discovering Twain's work for the first time or revisiting it in a new era of influence and inequality, this edition brings fresh insight to a novel that is as timely-and unsettling-as ever.