Mark Twain: The Greatest Fiction from Samuel Clemens?

In what ways do the above pictures represent Mark Twain's own impressions of his identity?

Observing Mark Twain from Different Eras

Though much about Mark Twain is currently in the public discourse, it can be helpful to consider reactions to Mark Twain and his writing from different generations.  The following links are ordered chronologically from those contemporary with Mark Twain to the most recent.

- Life, 1885 -- Reviews Mark Twain purely as a humorist.
- The Hartford Courant, 1885 -- Heralds Twain's "dramatic power" and ability to "give us a picture of people".
- The Atlanta Constitution, 1885 -- Chides those who criticized the novel as "vulgar and inartistic".
- New York World, 1885 -- Criticizes the novel as base and vulgar.
- "Mark Twain as Orator", 1910 -- A review of Mark Twain's literary style and personal character to mark his death.
- New York Times, 1935 -- Though not a review of Huck Finn, the NY Times published these letters in a story about the            removal of Huck Finn from a children's library.
- A review of Huck Finn to mark the 100th anniversary of its publication. 1984.
- New York Times Upfront, 2010 -- From a teenager-focused news magazine, a look at the publication of Huck Finn 125 years later.

Mark Twain continues to engender controversy with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The following links relate to the controversy surrounding the recent publication of an altered edition of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
- The Latest Word from Huck Finn
-  A brief look at the alteration of Huck Finn as well as other censored literature.
-  A recording of an interview with Alan Gribben (the editor of this version of Huck Finn) and other contributors. The transcript is also featured.


It's important for you to formulate your own opinion.  Use these links and others to research the issue, and consider the discussion as you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.