Mark Twain

Legacy: the Artists Behind the Legends

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or as we have all come to know him, Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, publisher, lecturer, and entrepreneur active during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Viewed by many, including William Faulkner, as “the father of American Literature”, Twain’s recognition today typically stems from his two most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and the latter was said to be an absolute literary masterpiece. Even Ernest Hemingway declares in his work The Green Hills of Africa, “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn”. In addition to these two novels, Twain received much international fame for his travel narratives, most notably The Innocents Abroad, Roughing It, and Life on the Mississippi. What I find remarkable about Twain is just the expanse of his persona, being a gifted raconteur, a sharp and witty humorist, and yet incredibly driven in his morality…all this while becoming America’s first real celebrity writer. He was beloved by his country, by his compatriots, and for many generations to follow, and that iconic white mustache, ivory suit, and smoking cigar embody his legend…his legacy…and the life of a man who always found a way to make his readers and audiences laugh while remaining true about the realities of humanity. This is a big one, everybody…and out of the twenty episodes we will have gotten through by the time this one is through, I think Twain’s story has been my favorite to research. So, without further ado, let’s get this episode of Legacy rolling. So sit back, grab a cocktail, and let’s dive into the absurdly Americana tale of one of my hero’s, Mark Twain.