The Singular Mark Twain: A Biography - Softcover

"The clearest, most comprehensive portrait yet. . . . It is almost unprecedented for a truly definitive biography of a writer of Mark Twain's stature to appear after so many years, but here it is." -The Philadelphia Inquirer"A singularly excellent biography." -The New York Sun"A real contribution to what we know of the writer who made the American language safe for literature. . . . A great glory of information." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" 'Singular' Twain is doubly good reading." -Fort Worth Star-Telegram"An even-handed narrative, fully aware of all the biographical and critical currents at work . . . but owing allegiance to no particular theoretical or psychological school of criticism." -Richmond Times-Dispatch"A delightful read and a storehouse of information and ideas that will be consulted for generations." -Portland Sunday Telegram"Refreshing. . . . Full of new material." -St. Louis Post-Dispatch"Lively. . . . Clemens feels whole because Kaplan takes the time to show him in so many different settings and situations." -The Oregonian"Comprehensive. . . . Thoroughly researched. . . . Highly readable." -Fort Worth Star-Telegram"A vividly detailed account. . . . Kaplan clearly shows the connection between Twain's writing and the people and events that surrounded his life." -Library Journal"Utimately, Kaplan's major contribution may be in what he has taken out of the Twain mythology. No longer will Twain be referred to as an inspired primitive." -Houston Chronicle"[Kaplan] has researched more fully and completely than any other has been able to do before. . . . Deeply detailed . . . rich with anecdote, facts and the humor that filled the man we have come to know as Mark Twain." -Wichita Falls Times Record News

A revisionist portrait of American literary giant Mark Twain traces the story of his life, from his youth in Hannibal, Missouri, through his adventure-filled days as a riverboat pilot and journalist, to his literary success, describing the social criticism and progressive ideas that informed his work, his troubled personal life, and his business failures. Reprint. 12,500 first printing.