“Books are the liberated spirits of men.”
“If books are not good company, where will I find it?”
Mark Twain
Mississippi Blues No. 3, performed by Stefan Grossman and John Renbourn:
MARK TWAIN
1835 – 1910
Courtesy of History:
Samuel Clemens, who was born in Missouri, wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, which was a riverboat pilot’s cry meaning “two fathoms.” In river pilots’ language, it means a depth of two fathoms as measured on the sounding line used to ensure a boat’s safe passage through shallow waters.
After his father’s death in 1847, Clemens worked as a printer’s apprentice, a riverboat pilot, and a journalist for his brother’s newspaper and several other West Coast magazines. Twain’s first success as a writer came with a story called “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The humorous sketch’s combination of anecdote, tall tale, and gentle satiric assessment of human nature would evolve through the decades as Twain added length and literary polish to his work. His natural skill as a raconteur, amiable and acerbic, provided him with a living in the lecture hall that complemented the success of his books.
Mark Twain standing in front of his childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri
The intro from Mark Twain (2002) (courtesy of Movie Clips I Like):
In 1867, his first book, a collection of short stories, established his reputation for dry humour, and it was confirmed by The Innocents Abroad, composed of letters home from a tour of the Mediterranean that poked fun at European customs and American tourists. His novels Tom Sawyer and The Prince and the Pauper were published in 1881, followed by Huckleberry Finn.
The statues of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Hannibal
Courtesy of Larry Richardson:
During the 1890s, Clemens lost all his money and launched into a world lecture tour to try and stay afloat, but the death of his wife and two of his three daughters left him bitter and depressed. He retained his sharp wit to the end, making him one of the most quoted human beings ever. In 1897, he sent a cable to a newspaper that had prematurely run his obituary, saying “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”
His bond between storyteller and reader has seldom been matched, and is and will be forever magical to his readers.
“Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor”, Op. 38 – I. Allegro non troppo by Johannes Brahms, performed by Gautier Capuçon and Yuja Wang:
Mark Twain statue in Library Park, Monrovia, California
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER
Twain’s first extended fictional narrative, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, begins with its hero already in trouble, or at least on the verge of it, under the watchful eye of his suspicious aunt Polly as she searches for him under the bed and around the house, until at last, he appears, pronouncing his innocence but no doubt hiding something, as readers as well as aunt Polly can surely tell. The battle lines between youthful high spirits and the sober strictures of adult society are quickly drawn, and we know immediately whose side we are on.
The book is based on the author’s recollections of his own youth in Hannibal, Missouri, although these are embellished, naturally, with an imaginative flair. Tom’s escapades are at first benign – playing hooky from school and the like – and recognisable albeit ingenious, as is the famous scene in which he tricks his buddies into whitewashing the fence for him by pretending the labour is a privilege rather than a chore.
But as the plot progresses, Tom’s exploits escalate to include the kinds of adventure a boy would invent for himself and his friends if he were braver than he really is, in a world more dangerous and interesting. Tom and various conspirators, including his rascally companion, Huckleberry Finn, come upon body snatchers in the graveyard, witness a murder, explore a haunted house, get lost for days in a cave, uncover buried treasure, escape to an island as self-appointed pirates, and have a remarkable experience of attending their own funeral after they are believed to have drowned in the Mississippi.
All in all, Twain’s novel is a delightful evocation of the spirit that drives precocious youngsters to set themselves against the unimaginative routines of the grown-up world, wrapped up in a plot that is filled with humour and suspense in equal measures. It is a joyful book that aptly meets the twin objective Twain describes in his preface: not only entertaining boys and girls, but also reminding adults of “what they once were themselves.”
I loved this book so much as a child that I could recite from memory entire passages.
Tom Sawyer’s story has been the source of a constant stream of film, television, and theatrical adaptations.
Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers:
An extract from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer:
“Every eye fastened itself with wondering interest upon Tom as he rose and took his place the stand. The boy looked wild enough, for he was badly scared. The oath was administered.
‘Tomas Sawyer, where were you on the seventeenth of June, about the hour of midnight?’
Tom glanced at Injun Joe’s iron face and his tongue failed him. The audience listened breathless, but the words refused to come. After a few moments, however, the boy got a little of his strength back, and managed to put enough of it into his voice to make part of the house hear:
‘In the graveyard!’
‘A little bit louder, please. Don’t be afraid. You were -‘
‘In the graveyard.’
A contemptuous smile flitted across Injun Joe’s face.
‘Were you anywhere near Horse Williams’ grave?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Speak up just a trifle louder. How near were you?’
‘Near as I am to you.’
‘I was hid.’
‘Where?’
‘Behind the elms that’s on the edge of the grave.’
Injun Joe gave a barely perceptive start.
‘Anyone with you?’
‘Yes, sir. I went there with -‘
‘Wait – wait a moment. Never mind mentioning your companion’s name. We will produce him at the proper time. Did you carry anything there with you?’
Tom hesitated and looked confused.
‘Speak out, my boy – don’t be diffident. The truth is always respectable. What did you take there?’
‘Only a – a – dead cat.’
There was a ripple of mirth, which the court checked.
‘We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now, my boy, tell us everything that occurred – tell it in your own way – don’t skip anything, and don’t be afraid.’
naturetails 
As much as I liked Tom Sawyer, I loved Huck Finn even more. Our 5th grade teacher read it out loud for several afternoons. I still laugh thinking about how Huck’s Pappy cursed everybody he could think of and then cursed them again in case he had missed anybody. I got to visit Twain’s huge Victorian house with the attached conservatory in Hartford, CT.
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Thank you, dear Pat, for the wonderful memories about reading Twain’s masterpiece at school, which I appreciate very much!
Joanna
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My pleasure, Joanna. Really liking this series
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Thank you so much, dear Pat!
Joanna
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Tales of long ago childhoods that were full of harmless mischief and fun. I often wonder what these great authors would make of modern children, indeed of society itself. The stories the great authors wrote while not entirely factual are never the less a great historical account. I like that Mark Twain had such a great sense of humour, something that is too lacking, in my view. I enjoyed this. But then I always do enjoy your posts, Joanna.
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which wholly resonate with my thoughts! Your kind words are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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Mark Twain gave every young boy the right to daydream and imagine things. The exploits of both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were magical in my youth. I think Mark Twain followed the adage that you may have to grow old, but you never have to grow up. Thanks for this bit of his history Joanna. Have a great evening. Allan
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I liked your article very much. I haven’t read anything by him in years. He wrote some good non-fiction books too.
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I remember reading him as a child. And I have always been a fan of Mark Twain’s “words of wisdom.” I would have loved to hear him speak in person. Very enjoyable post!
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Thank you, Allan, for the wonderfully insightful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna
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Thank you, Diana, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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I wasn’t aware of his first book, but Mark Twain was the love of young readers with good reason. What a humble abode he grew up in and I loved your feature photo, Joanna. Thanks for a great sharing with your usual plethora of wonderful history. 💗
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Thank you, Cindy, for the wonderful comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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Great work with very apt visual illustrations, Mary!
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Thank you, Indira, for the lovely comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you for this trip down memory. I have not read Tom Sawyer in so many years. I do remember enjoying that relationship he had with Aunt Polly. I think the last time I read the book I was a young mother with a rambunctious son. I probably related to her more than him.
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Thank you, LuAnne, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for yet another wonderful post on the timeless masterpiece “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by the great, and my favourite author, Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). You’ve once again offered delightful insights and reflections in your own unique way.
Your opening paragraph about the origin of Twain’s pen name made for an engaging start. Though the novel centres around a clever, mischievous yet pure-hearted boy, it appeals equally to adults, for within each of us lie traces of childhood mischief and fond memories of youthful freedom. The contrast between the carefree joy of childhood and the responsibilities of adult life is a truth that resonates with all of us.
As you beautifully noted, the novel draws deeply from Twain’s own youth. The episode of the premature obituary and the ironic scene of attending one’s own funeral carry profound lessons in humility and self-reflection. The humour, suspense, and vivid storytelling make the work an enduring joy to read.
What touches me most about Mark Twain is his admiration for India. Some of his words still echo in my mind, e.g. “India is the cradle of the human race, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition.” How true those words remain. The bridge shown in the first image reminds me of the one at Rajghat in Varanasi.
Overall, a wonderful post, Joanna! It’s enriched with relevant images, audio clips, and videos. Your engaging style makes reading your work such a pleasure. Thank you for this lovely weekend gift. Wishing you a Happy Saturday and a very Happy Dhanteras!
Namaste from India!
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderful, analytical and informative comments, which I love, and they will stay with me a long time.
Good morning from England! A very Happy Dhanteras!
Joanna
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Dear Joanna, 🙏
Reading your article felt like immersing the soul in a serene river of reflection. You have portrayed not merely the life and works of Mark Twain but the spiritual essence that flows through his words where innocence and awareness meet as one harmonious current.Through Tom Sawyer, you beautifully revealed the divine spark within human curiosity and playfulness the kind of mischief that arises not from defiance, but from the soul’s longing for freedom. What appears as rebellion in a child is, in truth, the awakening of consciousness to its own boundless nature.As Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Your writing reminds us of that very quest for “why” for purpose, self-awareness, and the quiet wonder of existence.Your words radiate compassion, humility, and truth, transcending the page and touching that still center within where art and spirit are one. May divine inspiration continue to illuminate your pen and your path.With blessings and gratitude, 🙏
-Vijay
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Thank you, dear Vijay, for the wonderfully profound review of Mark Twain’s works and the inspiring message his words convey. My humble work to bring his books to the wider audience, more as a reminder because his writing is known to millions is appreciated by your kind words. Thank you!
Joanna
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It’s truly my pleasure, Joanna. You’re welcome!
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Thank you, Kaushal!
Joanna
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I had meant to ask you this, but I forgot: Is Twain your favorite American author?
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Mark Twain is my favourite writer, Neil. Thank you for asking. That said, I also like Hemingway and Steinbeck.
Joanna
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Thank you Joanna for this amazing trio through my childhood.
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Thank you, Filipa, for the wonderful comment, which is very much appreciated!
Joanna
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“Books are the liberated spirits of men.’ “If books are not good company, where will I find it?”—–Mark Twain.! Joanna, the opening quote of your wonderful post by Mark Twain is absolutely true as there cant be any better companion than books !Thank you so much for another another of your amazing post on the timeless creation “The adventures of Tom Sawyer” by the great, author, Mark Twain !I immensely enjoyed going through the captivating post, Joanna
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Thank you so much, Dhirendra, for your wonderful comments, which I deeply appreciate!
Happy Diwali!
Joanna
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Thanks for the Diwali greetings, Joanna 🙏🙏
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Thank you, Dhirendra! Happy Diwali!
Joanna
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🙏🙏🙏
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Well done–from the opening quotation to the conclusion, Joanna! Mark Twain is a treasure, as you’ve demonstrated. Are you planning to move on to Huck Finn? One of my favorite books in recent years is James, by Percival Everett. As you probably know, it’s a retelling of that tale from the perspective of Jim, the slave. A wonderful book that I think Twain would have appreciated.
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My dear Joanna, what a divine opportunity to pay such a wonderful tribute to our dear Mark Twain. What a lovely article my friend. Thank you for sharing! 😍📚💖
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Thank you, dear Kym, for the wonderful comments, which I greatly appreciate!
Joanna x
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You’re so very welcome my dear Joanna! It’s always my pleasure! 🥰🙏🏼💖
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Thank you again, dear Kym, and also for the “Walking on Sunshine”, we need so badly!
Joanna x
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You’re so very welcome my dear Joanna, and it’s my pleasure always! Cheers! 🤗💞😊
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Thank you!
Joanna
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You’re so very welcome Joanna. 💖🙏🏼😊
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Excellent publication. I loved the way you presented Mark Twain’s life and work, showing not only the writer but also the man behind his stories. A very enjoyable and comprehensive read.
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Thank you, Lincol, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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