Old Favorites–Mark Twain

We’re focusing on newer books, movies, and television shows for 2018, but that doesn’t mean we’re entirely ignoring old favorites! After all, what’s that saying–what’s old may just become new again (or something like that)?

Earlier this month marked the 159th anniversary of a man named Samuel Clemens receiving his steamboat pilot’s license. Ordinarily, that would not seem a monumental moment in literary history, but it was. Because of his time on the steamboat on the Mississippi River, he became familiar with the navigational term “mark twain.” When he began working as a reporter, he adopted the term as a pen name and the rest, as they say, is history.

And you can certainly celebrate Mark Twain’s work, life, and times with any number of items in the library.

For instance, you can listen to or read what is widely considered his masterpiece, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.*

*Ebook and audiobook also available on Libby.

Or you can select an earlier classic and delight in the hilarious hijinks of Tom Sawyer**:

**Ebook and audiobook also available on Libby.

Or perhaps appreciate his humorous short stories***:

***Audiobook also available on Libby.

Or discover his thoughts on what made this master storyteller’s stories work so effortlessly****:

****Ebook also available on Libby.

Or find out more about his life, in his own words*****:

*****Ebook and audiobook also available on Libby.

Or enjoy a coffee table-style overview of his life and times on the river:

Or better understand his place within the context of 19th century literary history:

Or watch Hal Halbrook’s acclaimed one man show about Twain:

What’s your favorite work by Mark Twain? Who’s your favorite steamboat pilot-turned-author? What are some of your old favorites? Tell us in the comments!

And please follow this link to our online library catalog for more information on any of these items or to place a hold!