Mark Twain

By Archibald Henderson

This is one of the first biographies written about Mark Twain, published shortly after his death. The author was acquainted with Twain, and had long admired his work. The book is well written, and full of Twain’s unique humor.

Here is one of Mr. Henderson's examples of Twain humor from his newspaper days in San Francisco.

“In The Golden Era an excellent example is found in the following observations upon a celebrated painting of Samson and Delilah, then on exhibition in San Francisco:”

“Now what is the first thing you see in looking at this picture down at the Bank Exchange? Is it the gleaming eye and fine face of Samson? or the muscular Philistine gazing furtively at the lovely Delilah? or is it the rich drapery? or is it the truth to nature in that pretty foot? No, sir. The first thing that catches the eye is the scissors at her feet. Them scissors is too modern; thar warn’t no scissors like them in them days—by a d—-d sight.”

The original book had photos by Alvin Langdon Coburn, but I have used only one of his photos. The photos included have been digitally enhanced, and sepia tones were added to the duller black and whites.

Will Larsen

OldGraphicsPros.com

This book is fully searchable, the contents are linked to chapters, and although designed for on-screen reading, it can be printed.