Puddn'head Wilson is Mark Twain's novel of satirical wit aimed at the injustices in the southern states of America in the mid 19th century. It tells the story of two children, one born free, the other a slave. When the slaves mother, Roxana, switches the infants in their cradles she is not the only one who lives to regret the action. The tale has many facets to it. It is a murder mystery, a social commentary on the manners and beliefs of the time and a detective novel.