Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography by Geoffrey C. Ward, Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan
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Book Reviews of Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography
Book Review: Mark Twain
Summary: 5 Stars
This biography is about one of America's best writers, Mark Twain. This book talks about his life, which most of us don't know much about except from 3 of his novels: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Life on the Mississippi. Mark Twain's real name is Samuel Clemens and he lived in Florida, where he hated school and was getting his sense of antislavery. He travel all over the globe doing what he does best, writing. So when he died, he had given all he had to the world.I recommend this book because of how much is stuffed in it. There are many great quotes of the humorist from his autobiography. The book has a prologue that gives an introduction adout Mark Twain. There are even places in the book that tell how a character from his books was created or how he got his name, Mark Twain. Finally, I recommend this book because of it's text and the excellent information.
My favorite part of this biography is when Samuel Clemens decides to write "Mark Twain" as his name in a newspaper called Daily Union. This is my best part because it relates to his novel Life on the Mississippi. And, after he became popular, many politicans wanted to curry his favor, by passing laws he waned to be passed. Finally, I like this part because this is Twain's first step into being one of America's best writer.
Book Review: A Treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
This illustrated biography of one of America's most memorable and beloved authors holds quite a few surprises for the unsuspecting reader. Anticipating anecdotes from Mark Twain's life that would portray him as a kind, altruistic, and loving man, I was shocked to learn he was also an irrascible, guilt-ridden, tight-fisted lover of alcohol and cigars who was often looking for ways to get rich.He was born in 19th century Missouri and raised during a time when major political, economic, social, and cultural issues were forging America's identity. The rugged 19th century also molded Twain into an outspoken critic of those forces, providing him with an unending stream of material for his cogent and waggish observations.
Amid a collection of excerpts from his novels and speeches, articles and essays, as well as numerous pictures and illustrations, the authors present an insightful analysis of the man best known for writing TOM SAWYER and HUCKLEBERRY FINN. What becomes obvious is the relevance, creativity and importance of all his work, not just the books we were assigned in high school.
This book is a treasure; the kind of book that can be referred to often. It can give food for thought for hours of reflection. It is Highly Recommended.
Book Review: Burns does it again
Summary: 5 Stars
After having the privilege to listen to Ken Burns introduce his new documentary on Mark Twain, I am even more awed by Twain's humble greatness both as the pre-eminent American author and a contemplative human being. Through this biography I noticed how similar Mark Twain's own development was to that of maturing America. In most cases Twain was ahead of his time.I was moved by the story of his cook's experience as a slave and Twain's own progressive thoughts on race. The research that
this groups did into Twain's life and all the wonderful photos make him even more real and timeless. Mark Twain's humor is as
relevant today as it was almost 100 years ago. And that he is probably the greatest American novelist just makes Twain even
appealing.
I plan on staying glued to my TV during the two nights in January when the series is played on PBS.
Book Review: An informative survey of Twain's life
Summary: 5 Stars
Mark Twain: An Illustrated Biography is an informative survey of Twain's life which gathers material from a variety of published and unpublished sources, from his novels and lectures to his letters and photos. Students and fans of Twain thus receive much more illustration than in competing titles, in the form of vintage photos and color ads and drawings, along with a lively biographical sketch surveying Twain's life and times. Highly recommended; much more accessible than most.Book Review: A Fine Work
Summary: 5 Stars
As a lifelong Mark Twain fan I have read all his works and many biographies aobut him. I rank this among the best I have ever read. It indeed may be the best one. The pictures and sides are well woven into the text and help bring his life alive to the reader. DNJ