Selected Shorter Writings

by Mark Twain, Walter Blair

The Masterpieces of World Fiction series brings together the best loved short stories by the great masters of the genre—from Chekov and Maupassant, Kipling and Wilde, to O. Henry and Saki and Tolstoy and Conrad. Thoughtfully compiled by the bestselling author Terry O’ Brien, this series is a great way for readers to revisit old favourites and for introducing literary masterpieces to newer, younger readers.

Genres: Fiction, Literature, Short Stories

388 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature." His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), with the latter often called the "Great American Novel." Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner.

Reviews

[Ratnam Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading enough stories given in this book, I got the fact why he is called the best American humorist of his age. His stories might seem regular but they have twisted storylines and uncommon endings. His writing style is badass and while you might not laugh loudly to grabbing the attention of people around you, you will definitely smirk knowing what he actually did there in the story with his wit.

The writings need thorough attention as they are written in old-school English with long and complicated sentences but the stories are worth it except for the few that get a little tiring to make out a meaning of. My most favorite are How I Edited an Agricultural Paper, A Telephonic Conversation, Italian with Grammar and A Burlesque Biography.

[David Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good survey of Twain's shorter work, from journalism and essays to speeches and stories, from his earliest known piece to "The Mysterious Stranger." Includes, among many others, "Jumping Frog," "The Awful German Language," "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses" and "Old Times on the Mississippi," a reminiscence about his riverboat piloting apprenticeship.

[Tom Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit my (once bloody) bias up front: I have a tattoo of Mr. Twain smoking a stogie on my bicep, and I it wasn't applied involuntarily when I was drunk. I think he's the bees' knees. There's a spicy mix of Twainiana in here, from some very early pieces (and happily, they are clumsy (with promise), telling all of us that even Mark Twain had to start somewhere). There are classic tall tales, like "Jim Blaine and his Grandfather's Old Ram" and the "Jumping Frog" and then the rich, rollings of "Old Times on the Mississippi," with its rosy nostalgia and incredible passages on the allure and danger of the big river.

More great stuff with "The Private History of a Campaign That Failed," Twain's real-life accounting of the miserable way he accorded himself as a woebegone and hopelessly out of depth Confederate soldier. He flays the literary reputation, and hilariously, with "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses." And then there are the later, darker pieces, morality tales that are sharply written but seem to indict us all, like "The Mysterious Stranger," published posthumously.

I'll never remove that tattoo.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some are OK. Some are really good.

[Shaishav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read classics before as I never found anything there that I could relate it with. Do all the children and young adults feel this way? Well, if you do, then I must recommend you this book because even though you might not relate with these stories while reading them (and might have to read and re-read when it gets complex), these linger for weeks and upon reflecting you can find that more often than not, you see similar stuff in your own daily life. That is the brilliance of these writers.
Now, about the book itself- it is essentially a collection of 15 short stories all different in context yet maintaining their humour. Most of them are thought-provoking and powerful yet subtle at the same time. The longer ones with drama are really immersive. I have found visualizing myself present in the 19th century looking as the drama unfolds in front of me.
Mark Twain's writing is brilliant. One can learn a lot about satire from this. Although I prefer short and simple sentences, longer sentences with appropriate wordplay can be very rich. I would recommend this to everyone from aspiring writers to casual readers as long as you have the perseverence to complete all of it.

[Nimmy Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Selected Stories” by Mark Twain is a captivating collection that showcases the remarkable storytelling prowess of one of America’s greatest literary icons. Twain’s distinctive wit and keen observation of human nature shine through in these carefully curated tales. Each story presents a unique narrative, transporting readers to different times and places.

“Selected Stories” is a true testament to Mark Twain’s literary genius. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of his works or new to his storytelling, this collection is an excellent introduction or a delightful addition to your library. Prepare to be enthralled by Twain’s timeless tales, as he weaves words into a tapestry of literary brilliance that continues to captivate readers across generations.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selected Shorter Writings of Mark Twain by Mark Twain, ed. by Walter Blair (Houghton Miflin 1962)(PS1302.B5). This is an entertaining collection of selected stories, essays, and correspondence by His Eminence Samuel Clemmons. My rating: 7/10, finished 8/3/14.

[Rebecca Cantor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this copy from Dr. Hudspeth's discarded book pile. What a treasure. I certainly pay extra attention to anything he underlined!

[Mahadevaswamy]

mahi