Mark Twain

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, American, Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, 19th Century, Biography & Memoir, Literary
Cover of the book Mark Twain by Larzer Ziff, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Larzer Ziff ISBN: 9780199924004
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: October 1, 2004
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Larzer Ziff
ISBN: 9780199924004
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: October 1, 2004
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Mark Twain towered above the American literary landscape. With a worldwide fame greater than that of statesmen, scientists, or entertainers, Twain was in his own words "the most conspicuous man on the planet." Now, in this wonderful recounting of his career, Larzer Ziff offers an incisive, illuminating look at one of the giants of American letters. Mark Twain emerges in this book as something of a paradox. His humor made him rich and famous, but he was unhappy with the role of humorist. He satirized the rapacious economic practices of his society, yet was caught up in those very practices himself. He was a literary genius who revolutionized the national literature, yet was unable to resist whatever quirky notion or joke that crossed his mind, often straying from his plot or contradicting his theme. Ziff offers a lively account of Twain's early years, explores all his major fiction, and concludes with a consideration of his craftsmanship and his strength as a cultural critic. He offers particularly telling insight into Twain's travel writings, providing for example an insightful account of Following the Equator, perhaps Twain's most underrated work. Throughout the book, Ziff examines Twain's writings in light of the literary cultures of his day--from frontier humorists to Matthew Arnold--and of parallel literary works of his time--comparing, for example, A Connecticut Yankee with major utopian works of the same decade. Thus the book is both a work of literary criticism and of cultural history. Compact and sparkling, here then is an invaluable introduction to Mark Twain, capturing the humor and the contradictions of America's most beloved writer.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Mark Twain towered above the American literary landscape. With a worldwide fame greater than that of statesmen, scientists, or entertainers, Twain was in his own words "the most conspicuous man on the planet." Now, in this wonderful recounting of his career, Larzer Ziff offers an incisive, illuminating look at one of the giants of American letters. Mark Twain emerges in this book as something of a paradox. His humor made him rich and famous, but he was unhappy with the role of humorist. He satirized the rapacious economic practices of his society, yet was caught up in those very practices himself. He was a literary genius who revolutionized the national literature, yet was unable to resist whatever quirky notion or joke that crossed his mind, often straying from his plot or contradicting his theme. Ziff offers a lively account of Twain's early years, explores all his major fiction, and concludes with a consideration of his craftsmanship and his strength as a cultural critic. He offers particularly telling insight into Twain's travel writings, providing for example an insightful account of Following the Equator, perhaps Twain's most underrated work. Throughout the book, Ziff examines Twain's writings in light of the literary cultures of his day--from frontier humorists to Matthew Arnold--and of parallel literary works of his time--comparing, for example, A Connecticut Yankee with major utopian works of the same decade. Thus the book is both a work of literary criticism and of cultural history. Compact and sparkling, here then is an invaluable introduction to Mark Twain, capturing the humor and the contradictions of America's most beloved writer.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Arab Uprisings by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Empire of the Fund by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Bridges between Worlds by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book The Conceit of Humanitarian Intervention by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Simple Reading Activities - Oxford Basics by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book National Innovation Systems by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Digital Uncanny by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Singular and Plural by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book The Goddess as Role Model by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Mastery of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book An Intelligent Career by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Racing to the Top by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book The Art of Music Production by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Feminist Theories: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Larzer Ziff
Cover of the book Meaning in Law: A Theory of Speech by Larzer Ziff
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy