My Mark Twain (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)

Name: My Mark Twain (from Literary Friends and Acquaintance)
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

The author recalls his long friendship with Samuel L. Clemens, describing their first meeting in a Boston editor's office and successive visits, lunches, and conversations. He portrays Clemens's theatrical appearance and capricious taste in costume, his youthful temperament paired with shrewd wit, and his prolific letter-writing and storytelling. Anecdotes cover social gatherings with other writers, the design and atmosphere of the Hartford house, and Clemens's views on publishing and subscription sales. The piece blends vivid personal episodes with reflections on convivial talk, creative impulses, and the habits that sustained a decades-long literary friendship.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.