Showing results by author "Mark Twain" in All Categories

This short story by Mark Twain was not published until 1916, six years after his death in 1910, because his family considered it too scandalous. After all, what could be more scandalous then attacking religion and war. Narrator John Greenman takes us inside that church as the preacher beseeches God to grant them victory and protect our troops when a stranger appears.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is an 1876 novel about a young boy growing up along the Mississippi River. The story is set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, inspired by Hannibal, Missouri, where Twain lived.Tom Sawyer lives with his Aunt Polly and his half-brother Sid. Tom dirties his clothes in a fight and is made to whitewash the fence the next day as punishment. He cleverly persuades his friends to trade him small treasures for the privilege of doing his work.

"Tom Sawyer liked adventures, which means he was always getting in trouble." Searching for treasure, witnessing a murder, getting caught in a bat cave, tricking others into doing his work, running away with Huckleberry Finn - Tom Sawyer's antics and mischief-making are sheer, child-pleasing delight. Every boy and girl should experience the joy and fun of this classic tale.

A remarkable resemblance of two boys born on the same day in the 16th century became the basis of Mark Twain’s first try at historical fiction. This resulted in a fable that was almost a fairy tale, one that became a fine story for young people of all ages. There were many unjust laws in the 1500s, and Twain delved into them with his usual remarkable insight.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: The Original 1884 Unabridged and Complete Edition by Mark Twain is a timeless American classic that follows the journey of a young boy named Huck Finn as he escapes the constraints of civilization and embarks on a raft voyage down the Mississippi River.

This book is part memoir, part philosophical text, part study in human behavior, from one of America's greatest literary treasures. Narrated masterfully by Bronson Pinchot, this audiobook also includes Twain’s popular short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".

Fenimore Cooper, renowned author of classics like The Deerslayer and The Last of the Mohicans, has been both celebrated and critiqued for his unique writing style. In a humorous and scathing essay, Mark Twain takes aim at Coopers literary shortcomings, claiming that in just two-thirds of a page in Deerslayer, Cooper commits an astonishing 114 blunders against the art of storytelling. Join us as we delve into Twains witty critique and explore the fascinating world of Coopers literary legacy.

Dive into the untold story of Adam and Eve, narrated directly by Adam himself! This witty and engaging daily account chronicles Adams blissful days in the Garden of Eden, their eventual fall from grace, and the whimsical events that followed. Discover how Eve managed to wrangle the mischievous Cain and join Adam as he navigates the challenges of early fatherhood and life in paradise.

Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Eve’s Diary, a captivating monologue that humorously explores Eve’s adventures at the dawn of creation. With wide-eyed wonder, Eve marvels at every new discovery around her—including the enigmatic Adam! As she encounters the vibrant colors of nature, her delight knows no bounds. An excerpt from Adam beautifully captures her essence “She is all interest, eagerness, vivacity… none of them is of any practical value, but because they have color and majesty, that is enough for her…” Join Eve on this delightful journey filled with curiosity ...

Join grizzled sea captain Eli Stormfield as he embarks on a whimsical journey to the afterlife, piloting a ship toward heaven. Along the way, he encounters unexpected detours and navigational mishaps, leading to a heavenly destination that feels surprisingly disorienting. Originally penned in the late 1870s, this enchanting tale didn’t grace the pages of Harper’s Magazine until December 1907 and January 1908. The following year, it was published as a charming Christmas gift book, marking the last work Mark Twain released during his lifetime. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)

In his later years, Mark Twain penned these enchanting diaries, claiming to translate them from the original manuscripts. Through Eves eyes, we experience the joy and wonder of existence as she embraces the beauty of a newly discovered world. Many interpret this as a heartfelt posthumous tribute to Twains beloved wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, who passed away in June 1904, while others may see it differently. In contrast, Adams diary reveals a grumpy figure longing for solitude, often struggling with his own thoughts. The contrast between their perspectives and the story of their eventual union...

In Following the Equator, American author Mark Twain takes readers on a captivating journey around the globe, published in 1897. Facing severe financial struggles after a failed investment in a revolutionary typesetting machine, Twain embarked on a tour of the British Empire in 1895 to repay his $100,000 debt (equivalent to about $2 million in 2005). His travelogue is not just an account of his experiences; it is a sharp critique of racism, imperialism, and missionary zeal, all delivered with Twains signature wit. From insightful reflections on Cecil Rhodes in Australia and South Africa to a ...

In Captain Stormfields Visit to Heaven, Mark Twain takes readers on a whimsical journey through the cosmos with Captain Stormfield, who finds himself in a hilariously convoluted adventure to the afterlife. Published in 1909, this thought-provoking short story explores the absurdities of our perceptions of heaven, where souls become just as enamored with celestial celebrities like Adam and Moses as we are with stars on Earth. Twains sharp wit and keen observations challenge traditional beliefs about the afterlife, making this tale both entertaining and insightful.

This captivating collection features articles drawn from Mark Twains remarkable journeys and experiences abroad. While many of these pieces have appeared in print before, several others are making their debut, as one reviewer noted, perhaps not intended for the limelight. With insightful introductory essays by Brander Matthews and Albert Bigelow Paine, this book offers a rich exploration of the complexity and diversity of Samuel L. Clemens thoughts, illustrating their origins and evolution.

Dive into a delightful collection of short stories and witty anecdotes by the legendary Mark Twain, originally published in 1906. This engaging anthology, narrated by Tricia G, showcases Twains unparalleled humor and keen observations of human nature.

Step into the whimsical world of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court, a captivating 1889 novel by the brilliant American humorist Mark Twain. This pioneering work of time travel takes readers on an unforgettable journey as Twains protagonist lands in the legendary court of King Arthur, weaving humor and social commentary that remain relevant today. While Twain doesnt delve into the mechanics of time travel, his storytelling will leave you pondering the nature of progress and tradition. Some early editions are titled A Yankee at the Court of King Arthur. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Mark Twain wrote this witty satire in response to a request by editors of the New York World to contribute a humorous essay describing his first lie. He used the opportunity for discussion on the nature of lying, including "the lie of silent assertion". He pointed out the difference between a spoken lie and any other, as well as the fact that we readily condemn a lie by an individual but rarely challenge the false assumptions on which entire nations and institutions base their existence.

On the Decay of the Art of Lying is a classic essay penned by Mark Twain in 1880. This narration is performed by Larry G. Jones.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born in 1835 and is far better known by his pen name: Mark Twain. An American author and humorist of the first order, he is perhaps most famous for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The short stories told here showcase Twain’s true-calling. His wit and humour sparkle from every word; his mastery of the craft is evident with every phase and punctured target.

Floating down the Mississippi on their raft, Huckleberry Finn and Jim, a runaway slave, find life filled with excitement and the spirit of adventure. Join Huck and Jim and their old friend Tom Sawyer as they come up against low-down thieves and murderers, whilst being chased by Huck's evil, drunken father who is after Huck's treasure. It is a trip that you will never tire of.