Mark Twain, página 18 de 81

"The best book we've had. All American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since." —Ernest Hemingway "The best book we've had. All American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since." —Ernest Hemingway Widely considered one of the greatest American novels, the story of Huck Finn and his companion, the slave Jim, follows their journey down the Mississippi river after running away from Huck's alcoholic father and Jim's owners. As they travel, they encounter a floating house, feuding families, and cunning grifters. More importantly, Huck gets to know Jim and regard him as a friend and equal, overcoming the racial prejudices of the time in a landmark narrative that poignantly addresses the issues of growing up and finding freedom. This edition includes pictures and an extensive section about the author's life and works.

(See also #7154-#7162)

Las aventuras de Huckleberry Finn (1884) narra las peripecias de un muchacho que escapa de su casa huyendode su padre y de un esclavo negro llamado Jim que pretende recobrar su libertad. El río Misisipi es el telon de fondode una historia a medio camino entre la novela de aventuras y el relato picaresco, en la que se abordan temasfundamentales como la amistad o el racismo. Narrada por el propio Huck Finn, el inseparable amigo de Tom Sawyer, estanovela fue, segun Ernest Hemingway, el punto de origen de la literatura norteamericana contemporanea. Huck se asociacon el esclavo fugado de la señorita Watson, Jim, y cuando bajan por el Misisipi en una balsa, sus aventuras sonunavariante de las narraciones de esclavos. Aqui la voz proyectada del niño alcanza la genialidad: Huck, al optar por laeleccion socialmente inmoral de ayudar a fugarse al esclavo propiedad privada legitima de alguien, piensa, crea en simismo una moralidad eticamente superior que el define como fuera de la ley, y propia de un vagabundo despreciable comoel. Y Clemens puede lidiar con la monstruosa catastrofe nacional del esclavismo, no de frente, con un sentidomoralizante, a la manera de Harriet Beecher Stowe, sino con el arma mas afilada, la arremetida mas profunda, de laironia. E. L. Doctorow

"Il diario di Eva" affiora alla superficie della produzione di Twain come unreperto affatto anomalo rispetto sia ai romanzi di avventura, sia agli scrittidi satira politica successivamente riscoperti e rivalutati dalla critica. Einfatti la storia, narrata in prima persona, di Eva nei giorni della creazionedel mondo. Eva e figura soave, ciarliera, romantica, "nomina" le cose e glianimali, "inventa" il fuoco e l'amore, da la parola ad Adamo, gli crea attornoil Paradiso terrestre, fantastica su di lui e sulla fine di un sogno. Undelizioso, affascinate racconto reso ancor piu poetico dalle illustrazionid'epoca di Lester Ralph.

Mark TwainAos "Sketches New and Old" is a remarkable collection that showcases the authorAos masterful blend of humor, social commentary, and vivid storytelling. Published in 1867, this anthology features an assortment of Twains essays, short stories, and sketches, richly illustrating the complexities of 19th-century American life. Employing a distinctive vernacular style marked by regional dialects and satirical wit, Twain captures the idiosyncrasies of American culture and its diverse populace, reflecting broader themes of morality, identity, and societal change. The book stands as a testament to Twains prowess in crafting compelling narratives that entertain while provoking thought about contemporary issues. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, Mark Twain drew upon his experiences as a riverboat pilot, gold prospector, and journalist in shaping his literary voice. His upbringing in Missouri and extensive travels throughout America furnished him with a profound understanding of the human condition, which is evident in the rich characterizations and insightful observations of societal foibles that permeate "Sketches New and Old." TwainAos background in frontier life and his commitment to social justice continually inspire his critical perspectives on the society in which he lived. I highly recommend "Sketches New and Old" to readers seeking an engaging exploration of American eccentricities through the lens of one of the nationAos greatest writers. Twains keen insight and humor resonate powerfully today, making this collection a significant work not only for those interested in American literature but also for anyone wishing to understand the socio-cultural landscape of the era. Dive into these sketches for a delightful journey that balances entertainment with acute social observation.

Mark Twain's gloriously funny "Diary of Adam and Eve", which John Updike recently described as 'a paradigm of the relations between sexes', is presented here with a number of other Twain pieces on our two oldest ancestors, showing the writer's interest in this most famous biblical story. By giving a voice to Adam and Eve, and by hitting all the notes on the literary scale - from the intimate to the comical, from the journalistic to the idyllic - Twain displays the brilliance and wit for which he is rightly considered one of the greatest satirists of all time.

In the opening chapters of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Mark Twain masterfully blends humor and social commentary, creating a vivid tapestry of pre-Civil War American society. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Huck, Twain employs a distinctive vernacular style, rich in regional dialects that serve to authenticate the narrative and immerse readers in the complexities of race, morality, and freedom. These initial chapters set the stage for Hucks moral dilemmas and his evolving relationship with Jim, a runaway slave, encapsulating the tension between societal norms and personal ethics that pervades the novel. Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens in 1835, drew heavily from his own experiences growing up along the Mississippi River, which profoundly influenced his understanding of American culture and the institution of slavery. Twains insights into human nature and his unflinching examination of societal flaws stem from his own encounters with both the brutality of racism and the innocence of childhood. This personal history empowers him to construct characters and settings that resonate with authenticity, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their own beliefs. I highly recommend "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Chapters 01 to 05" to anyone interested in American literature and the intricacies of human experience. Twains skillful narration and incisive social critique will not only entertain but also provoke thought regarding the enduring issues of identity and morality. This work remains a cornerstone of American literature, inviting exploration not just of its historical context but of its timeless relevance.

In "A Tramp Abroad," Mark Twain embarks on a comical journey through Europe, blending sharp observation with witty satire. The travelogue unfolds as a rich tapestry of evocative descriptions, humorous anecdotes, and astute reflections on cultural norms and social intricacies. Through TwainAos distinctive narrative style, marked by conversational tone and introspection, the text serves as both a travel guide and a critique of the society of his time, exploring themes of identity, travel, and the American experience abroad. The book deftly balances humor and social commentary, making it a quintessential piece in the canon of American literature. Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was shaped by his deeply American roots and varied life experiences, including his time as a riverboat pilot, gold prospector, and writer. This diversity of experiences culminated in his travels across Europe, providing him with both an outsiders perspective and an insiders understanding of American values. "A Tramp Abroad" reflects Twains own quest for self-discovery amidst the cultural backdrop of Europe, showcasing his unique voice and critical insights. Readers seeking an enlightening yet entertaining exploration of Europe during the late 19th century will find "A Tramp Abroad" an essential addition to their literary repertoire. Twains humor and critique invite readers to reflect on their own cultural assumptions while enjoying a delightful journey through the landscapes and characters of Europe.