Mark Twain Laughing: Humorous Anecdotes by and about Samuel L. Clemens

by P.M. Zall, Paul M. Zall

Compares humorous stories Twain told publicly and privately with those wrongly attributed to him, and discusses his development as a speaker

Genres: Humor

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Diane]

This is just something from the introduction that I found interesting. Mark Twain perfected a deadpan delivery style, and it seemed to become second nature in conversation, also. "William Rideing, editor of the North American Review, knew him thirty years and in all that time never knew him to laugh. Clemens himself suggested that Mark Twain's writings seldom made him laugh. Someone once suggested he never smiled, either, because -- like George Washington -- he did not wish to show his bad teeth."

[F. Lester]

Not an easy read and the excerpts weren't always that humorous. However, it is an excellent insight into a side of Mark Twain, a profane side, I never realized existed. Some of his writings were real eye-openers. Definitely made me appreciate his work even more. I intend to read more of his works in a much different light.

[mehg-hen]

This book is for research. I mean the "by and about" in the title should let you know what you're in for. I'm sure someone is like "BAAAAAH GOLDMINE BAAAH I THREW UP!" and that person is in grad school. I would say 70% data, 30% jokes. This is an emotionally-based pie graph, and if your expectations are appropriate you shall feel otherwise. Extremely, extremely useful for the right person, who is not a caveman and feeling "me want jokes now bah bah bah."

[John]

Mark Twain — 'Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.'