Most Popular Books by Mark Twain

Autobiography of Mark Twain Volume 2 by Benjamin and Harriet Elinor pdf free download. Editorial work on the Autobiography of Mark Twain began some eight years ago and is expected to continue for another two. But acquiring the collective skills, expertise, and materials that allow us to do the work has taken much longer: more than four decades of editorial labor on every aspect of Mark Twain’s writings, made possible by the continuous support, since 1967, of the national Endowment for the Humanities, an independent federal agency.

Originally published: New York: Harper & Brothers, 1924.

Mark Twain toured the British Empire in 1895, during which time he began concocting a travelogue about the experience that was published in 1897. Twain''s narrative spans the globe, from Australia to Hawaii. Full of tall-tales and real-life criticisms of imperialist arrogance, "Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World" is written with Twain''s characteristic wit and enthusiasm for a good, entertaining story.

"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand," Mark Twain once wrote. In this sixth volume in The Library of America''s authoritative collection of his writings-the final volume of his fiction-America''s greatest humorist emerges in a surprising range of roles: as the savvy satirist of The Gilded Age, the brilliant plotter of its inventive sequel, The American Claimant, and, in two Tom Sawyer novels, as the acknowledged master revisiting his best-loved characters. Also in this volume is the authoritative version of Twain''s haunting last novel, No. 44, The Mysterious Stranger, left unpublished when he died. The Gilded Age (1873), a collaboration with Hartford neighbor Charles Dudley Warner, sends up an age when vast fortunes piled up amid thriving corruption and a city Twain knew well, Washington, D.C., full of would-be power brokers and humbug. The novel also gives us one of Twain''s most enduring characters, Colonel Sellers, who returns in The American Claimant (1892), an encore performance that moves beyond the worldly satire of its predecessor into realms of sheer inventive mayhem. Tom Sawyer Abroad (1894) and Tom Sawyer, Detective (1896) extend the adventures of Huck and Tom. No. 44, The Mysterious Stranger (1908), an astonishing psychic adventure set in the gothic gloom of a medieval Austrian village, offers a powerful and uncanny exploration of the powers of the human mind. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

Chronicles the efforts of John Gray to marry off his daughter Mary to the heir of Deer Lick, Missouri''s, wealthiest family, until the appearance of a stranger not only derails Gray''s plans but also leads to murder.

The humorist reflects on his scuffling years -- silver mining in Nevada, working at a Virginia City newspaper, down and out in San Francisco, reporting for a newspaper from Hawaii, and more.

This classic novel of childhood is set in fictional St. Petersburg, a town based on Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Twain’s recounting of Tom Sawyer’s many escapades is by turns nostalgic, satiric, wise, and hilarious. While this novel is often considered mainly as the precursor to Twain’s great work The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it is abundantly worth considering for its own deft and loving transformation of autobiography into fiction. In addition to the full text of the novel based on the first American edition, complete with a selection of the original illustrations by True Williams, this Broadview edition provides a wide range of appendices that place the novel in the context of 1840s rural America as well as 1870s literary America. These include materials on the composition and marketing of Tom Sawyer, selections from other “boy books” of the period, and historical documents relating to temperance, children’s literature, and schools.

Like its popular predecessor, this critical edition is designed for "teaching the conflicts" surrounding Mark Twain7;s classic novel. It reprints the 1885 text of the first American edition (with a portfolio of illustrations) along with critical essays representing major critical and cultural controversies surrounding the work. The novel and essays are supported by distinctive editorial material 2; including introductions to critical conflict in literary studies, to Twain7;s life and work, and to each critical controversy highlighted in this edition 2; that helps students grapple not only with the novel7;s critical issues but also with cultural debates about literature itself. In addition to several new critical essays, the second edition includes an appendix on how to argue about the novel so that students may more effectively enter the critical conversation about its issues.

This volume collects the most important writings by Mark Twain in which he used biblical settings, themes, and figures. Featuring Twain''s singular portrayals of God, Adam, Eve, Satan, Methuselah, Shem, St. Peter, and others, the writings stand among Twain''s most imaginative expressions of his views on human nature and humankind''s relation to the Creator and the universe. Composed over four decades (1871-1910), the writings range from farce to fantasy to satire, each one bearing the mark of Twain''s unmistakable wit and insight. Among the many delights in store for readers are Adam and Eve''s divergent accounts of their domestic troubles; Methuselah''s discussion of an ancient version of baseball, complete with a parody of baseball jargon; Shem''s hand-wringing account of how material shortages and labor troubles were hampering the progress of the ark his father, Noah, was building; a description of the disruptive actions of the fire-and-brimstone evangelist Sam Jones upon arriving in heaven; Captain Stormfield''s revelations of what heaven is really like; Satan''s musings on our puerile concepts of the afterlife; and Twain''s advice on how to dress and tip properly in heaven. Twain''s humor, however, is never gratuitous. As readers laugh their way through this volume, they will find ample evidence of Twain''s concerns about scriptural fallacies and inconsistencies, the Bible''s rather flat portrayal of important characters, and our limited notions about the nature and meaning of our own--and God''s--existence. Many of the pieces in this collection, even the most lighthearted, might still be considered controversial; of some of the darker pieces, Twain himself acknowledged that they would be heretical in any age. Moreover, these writings are valuable cultural artifacts of a time when, across the Western world, fundamental religious beliefs were being called into question by the precepts of Darwinism and the rapid advances of science and technology. Several of this volume''s selections are previously unpublished; others, like Letters from the Earth, are classics. Virtually all have been newly edited to reflect as closely as possible Twain''s final intentions for their form and content. For serious Twain devotees, editors Howard G. Baetzhold and Joseph B. McCullough have supplied an abundance of background material on the writings, including details on the history of their composition, publication, and relevance to the Twain canon.

Experience the wit and wisdom of one of America’s greatest literary figures with "Mark Twain’s Speeches." This collection showcases Twain’s sharp humor and insightful commentary on a variety of subjects, reflecting his unique voice and perspective. What makes Twain’s speeches stand out, and how do they capture the essence of his literary genius? This compilation brings together his most memorable and influential speeches, offering a glimpse into his thoughts and societal observations. With Twain’s characteristic humor and keen observations, this collection provides a valuable look at his contributions beyond his novels. Perfect for fans of Twain’s writing and those interested in American literature and oratory. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the eloquence and humor of "Mark Twain’s Speeches" and experience the brilliance of Twain’s public addresses? Discover the power of Twain’s words—purchase "Mark Twain’s Speeches" now and enjoy a collection that highlights the masterful orator and his lasting impact on literature and public discourse!