The Complete Speeches of Mark Twain (ePub)

Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), is one of America's most celebrated writers and humorists. Born in Florida, Missouri, and raised in Hannibal, he began his career as a printer's apprentice, eventually becoming a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River. The pen name 'Mark Twain' itself is a river term signifying two fathoms deep. Twain's wit, incisive social commentary, and mastery of colloquial speech are exemplified in his timeless novels 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (1876) and its sequel, 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1884), the latter often referred to as the 'Great American Novel.' Besides being a prolific novelist, Twain was also a gifted speaker, which is chronicled in 'The Complete Speeches of Mark Twain,' edited by Albert Bigelow Paine. It highlights Twain's talent as an orator and provides insight into his public persona and the cultural milieu of the time. Mark Twain's literary style is noted for its realism, humor, and satirical prowess, often using regional dialects and folk speech. His keen observation of human nature and society made him both a beloved storyteller and a controversial figure, unafraid to criticize hypocrisy and imperialism. His contribution to American literature is immeasurable, and his works have left an indelible mark on the world of letters.