For deft plotting, riotous inventiveness, unforgettable characters, and language that brilliantly captures the lively rhythms of American speech, no American writer comes close to Mark Twain. This sparkling anthology covers the entire span of Twain’s inimitable yarn-spinning, from his early broad comedy to the biting satire of his later years. Every one of his sixty stories is here: ranging from the frontier humor of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” to the bitter vision of humankind in “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” to the delightful hilarity of “Is He Living or Is He Dead?” Surging with Twain’s ebullient wit and penetrating insight into the follies of human nature, this volume is a vibrant summation of the career of–in the words of H. L. Mencken–“the father of our national literature.”

This unique collection of Twain’s essential short stories and semiautobiographical narratives is a testament to the author’s vast imagination. Featuring popular tales such as “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” as well as some delightful excerpts from The Diaries of Adam and Eve, this compilation also includes darker works written in the author’s twilight years. These selections illuminate the depth of Twain’s artistry, humor, irony, and narrative genius.

Presents more than twenty short stories by nineteenth-century American author Mark Twain--including "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and "How to Tell a Story"--And an essay on the author by Charles Neider.

These sixty satirical, rollicking, uproarious tales by the greatest yarn-spinner in our literary history are as fresh and vivid as ever more than a century after their author’s death. Mark Twain’s famous novels Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn have long been hailed as major achievements, but the father of American literature also made his mark as a master of the humorous short story. All the tales he wrote over the course of his lengthy career are gathered here, including such immortal classics as “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg," “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” and “The $30,000 Bequest.” Twain’s inimitable wit, his nimble plotting, and his unerring insight into human nature are on full display in these wonderfully entertaining stories.

Mark Twain's 'The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain: 169 Short Stories' is a comprehensive collection showcasing Twain's witty and satirical storytelling. Each short story offers a glimpse into Twain's keen observations of human nature and societal norms, often laced with sardonic humor. Twain's unparalleled ability to capture the essence of American life in the 19th century shines through in this anthology, making it a valuable contribution to the American literary canon. Twain's use of vernacular language and dialects adds authenticity to his narratives, immersing readers in the world he vividly creates. The diverse range of themes explored in these stories reflects Twain's versatility as a writer, from whimsical tales to thought-provoking social commentaries. Mark Twain, known for his seminal work 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in the American Midwest and working as a riverboat pilot along the Mississippi River. His satirical views on politics, religion, and society permeate his writing, shedding light on the complexities of human behavior and the society in which he lived. Twain's sharp wit and sharp critique of societal norms continue to resonate with readers today, cementing his place as a master storyteller and social commentator. For those interested in exploring the breadth of Mark Twain's literary genius, 'The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain' is an essential read. With 169 short stories that showcase Twain's unparalleled storytelling prowess and incisive wit, this anthology is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of American literature and fans of Twain's work. Each story offers a unique perspective on the human experience, entertaining and enlightening readers in equal measure.

Ste-e-e-eamboat's a-comin'!" Along the banks of the great Mississippi River, a young boy named Samuel Clemens raced to the docks whenever he heard that familiar cry. He dreamed of exploring the world beyond his river town. Little did he know that one day he would become the famous writer Mark Twain, and write about his boyhood adventures along the bustling river waterfront in the classic stories The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Sam's exploits take him from the printing presses of the Hannibal Courier to the decks of the steamboats that travel the mighty Mississippi, and even to the Wild West. Now noted historian William Anderson tells the colorful story of Sam's life as he grows from a mischievous boy into the enterprising author. Dan Andreasen's fresh, vibrant paintings capture the spirit of the storyteller who will live on forever as one of America's literary icons.