The Ordeal of Mark Twain by Van Wyck Brooks

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About this eBook

Author Brooks, Van Wyck, 1886-1963
LoC No. 93117875
Title The Ordeal of Mark Twain
Note Reading ease score: 62.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive)
Summary "The Ordeal of Mark Twain" by Van Wyck Brooks is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. This work delves deeply into the complexities of Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, particularly focusing on his later life and the philosophical despair he expressed even amidst his fame and success. Brooks explores Twain's character, his views on humanity, and the profound influences of both personal loss and societal change on his literary voice. At the start of the book, the author introduces Twain's pessimism, contrasting it with the public's perception of his career as a humorist and beloved figure. This opening portion discusses Twain's reflections on his life, the contradictions between his public persona and private despair, and the overarching theme of existential angst that marked his later writings. Brooks presents Twain as combatting an internal turmoil related to his artistic identity and his observations on the human condition, emphasized by various quotes and references to his relationships, particularly those with family members who faced their own tragedies. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Twain, Mark, 1835-1910
Subject Authors, American -- 19th century -- Biography
Category Text
EBook-No. 42225
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Apr 3, 2024
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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