A Companion to Mark Twain (Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture) [Hardcover]

Peter Messent (Editor), Louis J. Budd (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture | Publication Date: January 30, 2006

This broad-ranging companion brings together respected American and European critics and a number of up-and-coming scholars to provide an overview of Twain, his background, his writings, and his place in American literary history.

• One of the most broad-ranging volumes to appear on Mark Twain in recent years.
• Brings together respected Twain critics and a number of younger scholars in the field to provide an overview of this central figure in American literature.
• Places special emphasis on the ways in which Twain's works remain both relevant and important for a twenty-first century audience.
• A concluding essay evaluates the changing landscape of Twain criticism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The editors have done an exemplary job in maintaining a very high level of scholarly excellence in almost all these contributions. On a vast range of subjects there is a plenitude here of scholarly research and insight, some of it at least exploring new ground …  and much of it proving illuminating and challenging." (Notes and Queries, June 2009)

"Highly recommended for the reference shelves of libraries collecting work on American literature and culture." (Reference Reviews)

From the Back Cover

Mark Twain is one of the best-known figures of American literature. This broad-ranging companion brings together many of the most respected American and European critics and a number of up-and-coming scholars to provide an overview of Twain, his background, his writings, and his place in American literary history. It places especial emphasis on the ways in which the author's works remain both relevant and important for a twenty-first century audience.

The book approaches Twain through six subject headings: his cultural and historical context; his relationships with other writers; his role in the larger professional world of publishing and performing; studies of his travel writing; studies of his fictional works; and readings of his role as a humorist. A concluding essay evaluates the changing landscape of Twain criticism. This organisation provides a strong basis for the exploration and re-evaluation of Twain's work and cultural importance.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (January 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405123796
• ISBN-13: 978-1405123792
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,781,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)