The Complete and Authoritative Edition (Mark Twain Papers)

Autobiography of Mark Twain - 100th Anniversary Edition Buying what I thought was the new Mark Twain autobiography, this book arrived. Same title, looks authentic, but appears to be an outside instant publishing effort which slipped its product onto the the store catalog. Telltale evidence: printer's mark on back page: "24 March 2011" -- just a couple of days before I ordered the book.

The book itself is fine, although very odd typography -- apparently they scanned in and printed directly from the old magazines or some collection, thus a bit hard to read. It is a collection of Twain's published reminiscences. All very interesting -- makes a good companion to the "real" autobiography, which I came back and bought also.

This massive book is certainly a must for those who are true readers and Mark Twain fans. It is the kind of autobiography I prefer, where one might get to know an individual through that person's thoughts. While some may wonder that this is simply an expression of the character Mark Twain and not the human Samuel Clemens, who knows? I think that is less important than the words themselves.

I've noticed that some have complained about the size of the book. Didn't bother me in the least. Additionally, some have complained of the small text. Again, not an issue. I used my reading glasses. I'm a true reader of many types of books, so I am no stranger to small text. If you're not a fan of intelligent material, don't buy this book. Also, if you need large print items, don't buy it in book form. Newsflash to those who think their husbands may like it (it has been played up by many gift suggestion lists in various magazines, etc.): if your husband only reads Playboy or Sports Illustrated, he won't want to read this book. You also won't be able to manufacture his interest in worthy material by the giving of it. This is not a man-book. It contains much information of interest to those who enjoy Twain's wisdom and to those who enjoy history.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASE THIS BOOK NEW FROM the store:

If you purchase this book from the store and receive it without plastic on it, you are being sent a book that someone else has already bought, opened, possibly read, then returned to the store.

I bought and received two copies on November 15 and received two 1st printings, both wrapped in clear, thin plastic. I verified that one was a 1st printing by removing the plastic. I then decided to order another copy. I was told they were out of stock and it would be back ordered. I received it "early," but without the plastic.

Meanwhile, I read some of the reviews and realized that some people had purchased copies from the store, removed the plastic, fingered and smudged them up, thumbed through them, then decided they didn't want them and returned them to the store. Each time I called the store for a NEW book (a replacement for the one that had been fingered and smudged) they sent me one in the same condition as before: just slightly damaged. One of the copies had a broken spine from some dunce having cracked it open in the middle and bent the covers back, another had dark smudges on the pages and a torn dust jacket and another actually smelled like someone's spaghetti dinner.

Thomson-Shore, the printer, has informed me that each and every copy of this book is sent away covered in a clear, thin plastic. They use it to protect the book. They send out all copies wrapped in this airtight plastic. If it matters to you that you receive a new book rather than a resold, already opened book, ask the store to replace it. I see it as unfair practice for the store to send someone a book they call "new" but that has been sold previously, opened and returned.

As an autobiography, the book has no real plot. Twain reveals early in the book that he used a stegnographer to capture his words. Twain would lay on his bed and speak as the stegnographer would take dictation. So the bok sounds like Twain is talking about significant moments of his life. His prose is terrific and funny. The book allows the reader to get a glimpse of Twain's life, his family members and how he made a living. You can put the book down and come back much later without missing a beat--because there is no real plot. This is just volume one--more to come.

Have been reading Twain for decades, even had the good fortune to see Hal Holbrook ( as Twain ) once in Tennessee.
I had picked up this volume once or twice in the library, but happy to have it at home where I can sit & read
another fascinating event or opinion from a man that transcends fiction & non-fiction and brings us all along on his many adventures.
Mark Twain, as much as anyone since Shakespeare, examines the myriad emotions, circumstances and need for each other on our collective journey through life

It really should be made clear just what this book is and isn't. It is a completist's edition of a project Twain talked about for years but never actually sat down and wrote. In this scholarly volume, roughly one-third of the massive book details the process of its compilation, by Twain and by the editors (his contemporaries as well as the present ones), and includes what might today be called "outtakes" (several of which are quite interesting and enjoyable), pieces determined not to be intended as part of the Autobiography. One reader commented that "the book needs an editor". That misses the point; the scholarly editing is masterful. It COULD not credibly be edited in the sense of cutting it down as one might a contemporary manuscript to make it suitable for publication.
Another one-third of the tome consists of scholarly notes explaining many of the references in the text. Many of these are clarifications of people (some major, some insignificant)to whom Twain refers, or locations. In many cases these are extraneous to all but the most scholarly or the compulsive who needs to know who EVERYbody is and cannot determine it by context. In some cases, they correct lapses in Twain's memory (he clearly didn't research or check many of his facts)
Only one-third of this volume is the Autobiography itself, and it is only mildly interesting. It is certainly not a chronological narrative, much of it was dictated by an aging and bitter man(part of its sardonic charm), and much of it--- amazingly--- is drawn from a biography of Twain written, as a child, by his beloved daughter, which Twain explicates, albeit through the filter of the subsequent and ongoing grief Twain suffered since her youthful death.
My eyesight is lousy but I was untroubled by the type. I read it in book form, but I can see where it might be problematic on kindle; one has to skip back and forth between the text and the notes, and kindle may not lend itself to that (I wouldn't know). The sheer bulk of the book is indeed troublesome, and one will need two bookmarks, one for text and one for notes (as I often use in reading History).
Lastly, what remains as the "Autobiography"--- the reason, I think, most people would read this edition---is not terribly interesting nor funny. Fortunately, there is so much of Twain that is, and that is in print and easily available, and if one wants to read of Twain's earlier life, I would suggest reading or rereading Life on the Mississippi or his other (in a sense and ironically) more "autobiographical" works. The Library of America volume including Life... (as well as Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer) contains copious but manageable notes and biographical information. My opinion is that it would make a better gift than this to all but academics and (pardon me) twainiacs.

This is, by far, my favorite Twain story. I would encourage anyone who is a fan of his work to read this. One gets to know Twain, the man, and his joys, personal accomplishments, hardships and failures. His sense of humor is unmatched. This particular volume is laid out in chronological order, making it easy to follow.

Interesting book and humorous in places. As all of his other books that I have read it is VERY wordy. I take it from the text that the authors made more money for longer books. He really gives his opinion, mostly derogatory, on several people, especially Bret Hart.

I ordered this for my husband. It arrived quickly with just a few bends in the cover (I collect.) However, the price was great! this book was not as humorous as Vol. I, but it told more about the hard times Twain endured. it was worth reading. We did appreciate the ease of ordering, the price, and the quick delivery.

I enjoyed discovering once again the world of Tom and Huck that had captured my imagination so many years ago. His autobiography serves as evidence for his masterful writing ability. His life's experiences and his magnificent descriptions of his encounters with world leaders and those with whom he grew serve to reinforce my belief that He is one of America's most gifted authors.

This book just wasnt what I expected. I thought it would be easy to read along and follow the peculiaritys that made his storys great, but it wasnt so. It was more of a day to day outline of what he did normally. Who keeps track of what they do every day? I guess Sam Clemens did. And maybe some teenage girls-a diary. It just wasnt interesting enough, and I put it down. I am sure it is likely to be a classic, so it wont hurt to own it.

in every library.

This must be in your collection.

The Red Fur Room
[...]
A novel based on a true story. A coming of age experience of a naive young man named Sali Hand from a small southern town built on textile mills. With his boyhood friend they unwittingly visit an isolated coastal city, fallen to decay, for a town ritual. Hidden under a canopy of old oak trees drapped in spanish moss the beauty of this old place immediately arrests Sali's imagination and wonderous curiosity, and his heart is intoxicated with his first love. Incidentally Sali will not return home, and consequently his friend's destiny will leave him in pieces to be found hidden throughout the grand park that is home to the blight after dark. With certainty a plague will soon seep in from the trees and began slowly distilling the life from Sali's new found friends casting him into a dark nightmare he may not escape. With the rising hot air the spanish moss sweeps gracefully in slow rhythm over the arms that have embraced a culture for hundreds of years. It will now set the town on fire with fear.
Due out this fall 2013

What’s not to like about Mark Twain’s weighting? It is not written in a traditional autobiography style which might bother some but in fact it is a cumulatiotion of his life’s experience in no particular order.

Interesting non-linear autobiography dictated by a man with a very funny, very vindictive memory. Uses family writings to add to story. Lengthy forward, & notes by editor. Notes are almost useless on kindle

I enjoyed this so much, I spent almost two months milking my reading of it! I found myself crying over his lost children and Wife. I am skeptical enough by nature to fear that some of this might have been written by perhaps someone other than Twain; a fear based on nothing other than the great lucrative value of this instant American classic. Even withstanding that silly fear, I was moved by Twain's wonderful insight into life, and how little things really change. I was hoping for more on his brief Military career... perhaps in the next volume? I really hope in this age of tweets and Snookie, some High School teachers will introduce their students to this great American treasure!

I love Mark Twain and looked forward to reading his bio. However, when I received the book I was surprised to see how small the type was and how heavy the book was. I'll be reading it--but not in bed!

Having been born too late to have known Clemens, this autobiography presents the next best alternative. Though parts of this have appeared elsewhere, there is something deeply satisfying in reading his words as he intended them to be read. Truly a life lived to its fullest.

This is an excellent read for anyone interested in Mark Twain. Very well written with lots of detail that you wouldn't learn any other way than to read this book. I now have my friends purchasing and reading the same book simply because of the detail about the man.

Mark Twain is hilarious, but that is about it for the autobiography. The poignancy present in his fiction is not as obvious in this book, which is mostly opinions and observations. If you like Twain, buy the book.

I was keenly disappointed by this book. I was expecting "400 pages of pure bile," as Twain scholar Laura Trombley put it. Instead, I discovered I had purchased over 700 pages of scholarly research that I could have very well done without.

The book starts with 50 pages of the history of compiling this tome. The Twain scholars in the audience will find this riveting. I found it tedious. Where was the bile?

I then waded through another 150 pages scraps that the researchers had assembled, more evidence of Twain's failed attempts to write an autobiography. Included in this section is an appreciation of President and General Ulysses S. Grant. Twain thought the man a saint. He also though that Grant could have used a good literary agent. Brav-o, researchers, that was a great bit of sleuthing. Now, bring the bile forthwith!

Twain's official autobiography FINALLY starts on page 201. Did I mention how heavy this book is? Seven pounds by my reckoning. I tried reading it in bed, the book resting on my chest. My rib cage almost collapsed from the weight of the thing. If you MUST buy this book, do yourself a huge favor and buy the Kindle edition. Your lungs will thank you.

What's it like, once you get to "the good stuff"? Overall, lots of rambling (some days, Twain would read something in the papers that would set him off, other days, he would commence on some tale of his youth), but not much in the bile department. We do learn the inspiration of some of the characters in his books (he did not cut them out of whole cloth), and we learn that Twain, like General Grant, could have used a good literary agent. We get an account of his stay in Florence, Italy, which goes on for far too long, and, yes, there are a few amusing bits scattered about. I read these sections aloud to my wife, and we both enjoyed them. But they were quite few and far between, and there was very little bile, pure or otherwise.

Twain is outraged at the adventures of General Woods in the Philippines (quite a bit of sarcasm here, as Twain describes the fighting of the 'brave' American soliders) and has great admiration for Helen Keller. Then, suddenly, on page 469, we are at the end of volume one. Here start the "Explanatory Notes," which continue for about 200 pages, followed by Appendixes, Notes, References, and an Index. More stuff to delight the Twain scholars, but not very delightful if you are just a casual reader.

All in all, 736 pages, but not much in the way of bile, unless you count Twain's description of James W. Paige, back in the preliminary writings. Spoiler alert: there's some juicy stuff that culminates on page 106.

My advice is, don't buy the book unless you are a Twain scholar. Perhaps, after the last scholarly volume has been published, someone will produce a popular edition of the book. Ideally, it would be about 400 pages long, and liberally seasoned with bile.

This book is written in a very technical manner that I am finding very dry and some-times boring. I was expecting more of a prose type writing that reflected Sam Clemen's personality that I have become fond of over the years. This is not something to read straight through as there is an awful lot of extra info that interfers with an enjoyable read. I am sure there are some scholarly readers that will disagree, but I am an English major that counts Mark Twain as one of my favorite. I imagine there are parts that will stand out, but I cannot read this book straight through. It is just too much.

Book was a present to my daughter for Christmas. The book is quite thick and the print small and will take a while to read. My daughter started reading it right after the holidays and states it is very informative, interesting and humorous. Well worth reading, states she.

I found Volume two (twain, ha,ha) as entertaining and as engaging as the first volume of two seasons ago. Originally, the editors were desiring to do this as three volumes. I eagerly await the third volume.

I don't normally write a review of something before I've finished, but after reading many of the reviews already posted, I feel compelled to add my two cents.

You see, I thought I was buying an autobiography. I'm nearly 300 pages in, and still reading scraps of dictation, notes and newspaper clippings covering random events throughout Twain's life. Out of curiosity I came here to get an idea about when the good parts would begin. I'm reading this on a Kindle, and the table of contents is no help because it simply labels the middle chunk of the book at "The Autobiography of Mark Twain", with no chapter titles or further information.

Turns out, I'm already reading the "good parts". Apparently, that's what this "autobiography" is - scraps presented in the order they were spoken, written or filed. Some of it's interesting, but more often than not, it reads the way you would expect a writer's rough drafts and notes to read: disjointed and disorganized. I find it hard to believe that Twain would have insisted on leaving in passages detailing the furniture in a house he's rented in Italy, or devote pages to meandering observations on court cases and news stories of the day that were likely irrelevant mere months after they occurred.

The Twain that comes through in this book is a boring, rambling, egotistical name-dropper. He has a way with words, so at times it's almost forgivable. Far too often, though, the stories he relates do plenty to make him sound important and impressive, but do little in the way of connecting with the reader or taking on a deeper meaning beyond simply being an anecdote that he happened to recall.

I'm still trying to plow through it. I hate to not finish a book when I'm this far in, so I'm going to keep pushing. I have serious doubts about buying future volumes, though.

UPDATE: I actually finished this last night. Still have to stick with my two star review, though at times the book did improve, particularly when he touches on the deaths of his son, daughter and wife. Still, the haphazard structure of the book means you go from that to yet another rambling story about meeting someone once famous but now unremembered by today's reading audience; or lists of dead schoolmates, friends, and former employees; or self-aggrandizing tales of speaking engagements and public appearances made by Twain. By the end, the main conclusion I reach from this book is that as great a writer as he was, Twain simply couldn't write an autobiography worth reading by the general public.

Having Twain read to you by a professional is fantastic.
The performance is exceptionally crisp and fun without even a hint of camp.
Technically flawless production and the CD format is clean, clear and convenient.
Congrats all around.

Fifteen minutes ago I finished reading Volume One of the newly published "Autobiography of Mark Twain". It is no more possible to adequately describe this massive book as to attempt to fully capture the full, intricate realities of a vast range of wild mountains.

Twain tried for many years to write his autobiography, but time and again his efforts ground to a halt and were abandoned, although fragments were kept for eventual use (and presented as part of this Volume One). It was not until Twain fixed upon the mode of orally dictating his autobiography that he found a method that really worked for him and allowed him to complete the project to his own satisfaction. The first portion of these 1906 dictations (plus explanatory editorial notes) form the heart of the present volume (two more volumes will eventually be released to complete the "Autobiography"). The result certainly does not follow a standard autobiographical approach (which Twain characterizes as a "plan that starts you at the cradle and drives you straight for the grave, with no side-excursions permitted on the way. Whereas the side-excursions are the life of our life-voyage, and should be, also, of its history.") The "Autobiography" as dictated instead is all side-excursion, almost stream of consciousness. Twain's intent was that it not be published in unexpurgated form until a hundred years after his death, leaving him free to say whatever he wished about whomever he wished to speak. Portions of it have indeed been published from time to time, in a highly edited form bearing little resemblance to what Twain intended as the true "Autobiography".

In approaching the "Autobiography" the reader should not expect a conventional, chronologically arranged, continuous narrative in the traditional style. Twain strove intentionally, and successfully, to avoid that, instead reaching for an entirely novel style suitable for avoiding what he considered to be the usual "lying" (perhaps especially lying to oneself) found in standard autobiographies. The present volume is presented in four distinct parts: First is a lengthy explanatory section from the editors, providing the background for the "Autobiography" and explaining what Twain was aiming for; this section is probably necessary for better appreciating what Twain eventually achieved, but also may not be the best place to begin browsing. Second are the fragments of autobiographical material Twain wrote over the last few decades of the 19th century, fragments left over from his failed attempts to create an autobiography but retained by him as containing enough material and honesty to satisfy his desires. Third is the real heart of the book: oral dictations that left Twain free to dart and drift wherever his thoughts led him, free of any rigid structure; this section is most open to casual browsing. And fourth are lengthy notes and comments from the editors on Twain's text and dictations, correcting factual errors and expanding upon details.

Reading the dictations is as near as one could hope to be sitting in a room with Twain, listening to him ramble along, mixing trivial events of forty or sixty years before with headlines from today's newspaper -- an effect that Twain was deliberately creating -- and dizzyingly flipping the pages of the calendar back and forth. Imagine Twain sitting there with a cigar and perhaps a glass of Scotch whiskey. Imagine yourself with the cigar and Scotch. It is wonderful, in the true, fundamental sense of that word.

Mark Twain seems to have been an overwhelming character. His life was long and not lacking incidents, but even so, the amount of writing is incredible for a time with no ball pens, typing machines or computers. Even more incredible is that he could write (or dictate) in such an imaginative an humorous way all the time. This biography is heavy in more than one sense, the letters are, maybe a bit small for comfortable reading, but you won't find anything superfluous in the contents. I have enjoyed it from the first to the last page. What a wonderful man!

I collect Mark Twain books and love his writing style... His Autobiography added to my collection and I'm enjoying reading the 2 books. These books were published in 1924 and would be of interest to any fan of Mark Twain or anyone intrested in a great writing style.

This great heavy book has no fluff whatsoever! However, if you revere Twain as the light-hearted humorist, give this book a pass. He comes across as far too real here, especially as related to his later years.

The book is very boring and disappointing. I loved Huck Finn , Tom Sawyer and the Prince and the Pauper, so thought I would love reading about the man who wrote them...wrong! I found him to be very egotistical...should have known, based on fact that a man writes an autobiography that he does not want published until 100 year anniversary of his death!

A great, touching, humorous autobio of a man that was way ahead his time in his estimation of American robber barons and politicians.
Wait for the new un-expurgated version coming out. You won't regret it.

Others complained that the introduction was over the top and much too long. I disagree. The introduction is mostly excerpts from Twain and if you enjoy reading anything from this guy, then you'll love every part of this book. I will be buying the other volumes too.

I read this while walking on a treadmill, and found myself reading & Walking until I became too tired to do anything else. The writing flows so freely, I felt as though he was just talking to me.. It's no wonder he wrote so much...