The Wild Child

A true crime essay examining the bizarre case of a nineteenth-century German teen, his unusual origins, and his unsolved murder.

Kept in a dungeon for his entire childhood, Kaspar Hauser appeared in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1828 at age sixteen, barely able to walk or talk. When he was killed in 1833, his true identity and the motives for his unsolved murder became the subjects of intense speculation. This provocative essay sheds new light on this mystery and delves into fundamental questions about the long-term effects of child abuse.

Previously published as Lost Prince

Praise for The Wild Child

“A valuable introduction to a timeless and fascinating mystery involving child abuse and murder. . . . Masson’s examination will introduce many American readers to one of the great case studies of extreme cruelty and deprivation, and of the remarkable human capacity for adaptability.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A stunning piece of detective work.” —Publishers Weekly