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The Cambridge Introduction to Mark Twain by Peter Messent PDF

"This introduction provides a biography of the author and situates his works in the historical and cultural context of his times. Peter Messent gives readings of the best-known writings including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He pays particular attention to the way Twain's humour works and how it underpins his prose style. The final chapter provides up-to-date analysis of the recent critical reception of Twain's writing, and summarises the contentious and important debates about his literary and cultural position."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references (pages 127-131) and index

Mark Twain's life -- The early life -- Riverboating, the Civil War, the west -- Early success, marriage, the Hartford years -- Expatriation, financial loss, family tragedy -- The final years -- Contexts -- Samuel Langhorne Clemens and 'Mark Twain' -- Works -- Twain's humour -- Travel and travel writing : Innocents abroad, A tramp abroad, Roughing it, Life on the Mississippi -- Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn -- A Connecticut yankee and Pudd'nhead Wilson -- Critical reception and the late works -- Guide to further reading

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