Customer Reviews

The Diaries of Adam & Eve: Translated by Mark Twain

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Twain long had an interest in Adam and Eve. His renewed focus on Adam and Eve in 1893 was touched off by his writing calendar maxims for Pudd'nhead Wilson, in which the Edenic couple appear. After that novel, he began Extracts from Adam's Diary, and followed that with Eve's Diary. Now Don E. Roberts has collected these writings along with four others by Twain that concern the Edenic pair in one narrative. For many readers familiar only with Twain's tales about mischievous boys or cranky characters, this work, one of the great love stories of all time, will come as a real surprise. Whether you're interested in Twain or not, if your heart hasn't atrophied, you will love The Diaries of Adam and Eve. Roberts's profound love of the art of the book is evident in every detail, from the illustrated dust jacket, which features a rare 1902 Thomas Marr photograph of Twain at Quarry Farm on the back; to the Smythe sewn binding in gold-stamped Kennett cloth; to the high-quality printing on acid-free paper; to the eight beautiful illustrations commissioned specifically for this volume. I have the book and the CD. If you are just going to get one I would suggest the CD because of Betty Buckley's superb performance reading Eve's part. Twain translated Eve as saying "a loving good heart is riches, and riches enough". After reading this fine volume I'm inclined to agree with her.

Although Mark Twain uses the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis as the framework for these "diaries," the biblical couple and his are two entirely different stories. Having said that, Twain's version is such a touching love story, especially as it is rendered in this recording, it is worth hearing (or reading) without making any comparisons to the first Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

I mention this because a high school student recently inquired with me about Twain's views on religion, and thought that these diaries might shed some light in his beliefs. While I encouraged her to read or listen to Twain's account, simply because of the beauty of the story, I don't think they shed much light on Twain's religious views.

I did find it interesting that Twain's Adam and Eve barely mention God at all. Perhaps that is a notable observation on his views of religion after all.

Twain's tender observations on the nature of men, women and love is what makes this a moving tale. Walter Cronkite's commentary at the end makes one appreciate the story even more.

"The Diaries of Adam and Eve" is a sweet, humorous and romantic piece and it had me laughing out loud one minute.......and crying the next. Mandy Patinkin and Betty Buckley are outstanding in their "reading" of Twain's words; actually, it's more a theatrical performance than a simple reading. Their expressive voices give life to Adam and Eve and provide us with complex characters full of wonder, innocence, wisdom, joy, and sorrow. There are so many wonderful passages throughout this book that I find something new to marvel at each time I listen. This recording will touch your heart.

Even Mark Twain's ephemera charms. This well edited collection of separately written pieces creates the whole that Twain himself might have made. It features his most insightful depiction of a female persona, Eve, who is the one truly engaged protagonist in this glimpse into Eden. She is the seeker, the thinker, and the emotionally active partner -- in short, the whole person. It is no wonder that Eve names the animals and discovers fire, while Adam lolls in a tree and complains about her talkativeness. He is remarkably complacent for a miracle of creation. Twain imaginatively and humorously evokes the naivete and sense of wonder of these two innocents as they discover the world and each other -- learn, even, to recognize that they are human. The fact that God is just a voice, mentioned once or twice, and the Fall is the unfortunate incident that changes their lives demonstrates that Twain was not interested in a religious parable. These diaries are his reflection on the nature of male and female personalities and the bond that draws and keeps men and women together. Though it feels somewhat incomplete, the book is an enjoyable quick read. The editor's afterword recounts the history of these writings and connects the diaries to the author's own personal life, affirming its very personal nature. This is a lovely book to give to an engaged couple, a married couple, or anyone who enjoys Mark Twain's unique genius.

This book is so funny! Put yourself in Adam's shoes: you have been alone on Paradise for some time, and suddenly appears this talking creature that follows you around. Adam's thoughts on Eve and the world are hillarious. And then comes the tale from Eve - who loves Adam very much-, which is tender and still fun.

I read this book with my wife and she was laughing too. Then I lent it to a friend. He read it and passed it on to his wife.

I read Mark Twain on high school, and time only makes it better.

Now I'm after "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".

The Diaries of Adam and Eve is one of my favorite books. It's so gentle, funny, and deeply true I find myself loaning it to friends and giving it as a gift whenever I can. If you've not read Twain since Huckleberry Finn was forced upon you in junior high, this is a wonderful way to start reading Mark Twain's work again. If you've been looking for something to restore your faith in the worth of that whole man-woman thing, treat yourself to this book.

As a non-religious person, I felt the CD's were a delight. The humor and wisdom of Adam and Eve sound so real: they ARE real due to the talent of Twain but also to the two narrators. It is no surprise that actor/singers like Mandy Patinkin and Betty Buckley embody the words in such a human and nuanced way that you want to speak back to the two "land dwellers". The producer couldn't have chosen two better artists to interpret and bring to life the words of a great writer like Twain. I have played this several times in the last two days and I can't wait for the conclusion so I can start over again!

Twain was such a genius and these diaries are a perfect example. His insight into the differences between men and women is razor sharp, even now at the turn of the millenium. His portrayal of these two people is both loving and funny--he will move you so tenderly that you'll cry and then you'll find yourself laughing out loud. There are so many wonderful lines in this set, but here is my favorite. At the end, Adam says of Eve, "Wheresoever she went, there was Eden."

This is the 19th century's version of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus". Delightfully funny, irreverent and very tasteful, "The Diaries of Adam and Eve" is a succinctly written description of the vast differences in world views between men and women.
I always give this book as a wedding gift, to assist newlyweds in understanding that though one has married a "Stranger From A Strange Land", each can find great pleasure, happiness and success from learning the other's language.
Twain is so readable, one would think he wrote for a twenty first century audience. I highly recommend this short book to anyone.

I have listened to this cd 3 times, and plan to listen to it more. It takes approximately 3 hours, and is best listened to in a place and during a time when you can pay careful attention to Twain's wit.

I laughed to tears.

At the end, when Adam delivers a beautiful declaration of his life with and his love for Eve, I insisted that the tears were left over from laughter. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.