Who said “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”?

Misattributed

Not Mark Twain. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Markus Herz, reported in Der Gesellschafter (1817).

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.”
— Mark Twain
MisattributedNot by Mark Twain. Earliest known source: Markus Herz, reported in Der Gesellschafter (1817). · evidenceHealth

Cite this quote

APA

“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” [Quotation attributed to Mark Twain]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21240-be-careful-about-reading-health-books-you-may/

MLA

“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21240-be-careful-about-reading-health-books-you-may/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.” Attributed to Mark Twain. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21240-be-careful-about-reading-health-books-you-may/.

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