Author Description
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." -- Mark TwainMark Twain (1835-1910) was the first American writer to capture the unique and colorful vernacular of his country's populace. Instead of striving to perfect any particular literary form, Twain strove to precisely imprint on paper the colloquial speech, mannerisms and experiences of the American people.Twain's books earned him an enduring reputation as a satirist and humorist, but he also wrote great short stories. These stories, with their wonderful characters and witty turns-of-phrase, have defined in Americans' minds what it means to have been at a time in our country which was at once optimistic, exploratory and recklessly exploitative.Listeners can still benefit today from hearing Mark Twain's stories and selections from his novels as they become again what they originally were: the oral history of our uniquely American consciousness.Includes selections from Life on the Mississippi, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Roughing It, and The Autobiography of Mark Twain, and the short stories The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, The £1,000,000 Bank-Note, The Joke That Made Ed's Fortune, A Dog's Tale, A Story Without an End and many more.Performed by Ed Begley, Sr., Walter Brennan, Brandon de Wilde, Will Geer, and David Wayne
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
This collection captures the distinct American vernacular and social commentary that defined Mark Twain's literary legacy. Twain’s objective throughout these works is to document the colloquial speech, mannerisms, and experiences of the American populace during a period of rapid expansion and social change. The narrative framework shifts between satirical observation, autobiographical reflection, and regional storytelling, presenting a world characterized by both optimism and exploitative ambition. The primary forces opposing the characters are often the rigid social structures, human folly, and the unpredictable nature of the American frontier.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Utilization of regional dialects and colloquialisms
- Satirical critique of 19th-century American social norms
- Integration of autobiographical elements with fictional narrative
- Focus on the oral tradition of storytelling
- Exploration of themes related to human greed and morality
- Character-driven vignettes highlighting eccentric personalities
- Pacing that mirrors the rhythm of spoken word performance
- Inclusion of diverse narrative forms ranging from short stories to novel excerpts
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of Twain's prose when experienced through an auditory medium, as it highlights the rhythmic quality of his writing. Readers frequently highlight how the performances by actors like Ed Begley, Sr. and Walter Brennan enhance the humor and wit embedded in the original texts. Critics often note that the selection provides a comprehensive overview of Twain's ability to balance lighthearted satire with deeper social observations. The collection is widely regarded as a successful preservation of the oral history of American consciousness, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the evolution of American literary voice.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
2001-11-27
Publisher:
Caedmon
ISBN-10:
0060002719
ISBN-13:
9780060002718
Humor
Satire
Audiobook
Historical
Short Stories
Genre Fiction
Classic Literature
United States
Self Service
Contemporary
American
Custom Stores
Anthologies
Classics