Mark Twain and the Colonel: Samuel L. Clemens, Theodore Roosevelt, and the Arrival of a New Century [Hardcover]

Philip McFarland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 16, 2012

In Mark Twain and the Colonel, Philip McFarland tells the story of the rich years of American history between 1890 and 1910 through the fully engaged involvement of two of its most vital participants.

The narrative unfolds in six sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the United States of the early twentieth century that continues to matter to this day: America as an imperialist nation, America as a continental nation, America as a racial nation, America as a corporate nation, America at home, and America striving for peace.

In this short span of years, the America of the late nineteenth century will move substantially closer to the America we know today, thanks in part to the influence and actions of Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt, two of the most influential figures of the age.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Philip McFarland delivers hundreds of pages of solid anecdotes with quotes and details of life at the turn of the century....By the final page, the reader will know a lot about Twain as writer and man and much about Roosevelt's key policies, and will have toured a vanished America. One of his subjects wanted life to be "strenuous" and "dutiful"; the other wanted to mock those exhortations and light up another stogie and rack up some more billiard balls. (Wall Street Journal )

The interplay between the two gargantuan lives leads biographer Philip McFarland to some fascinating trivia and unexpected role-reversals.

(New York Post )

What did two of the most famous Americans of the early 20th century have in common? In this interesting if overlong dual biography of President Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) and Mark Twain (1835–1910), McFarland (Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe, 2007, etc.) seems bent on challenging the conventional wisdom as to which of these two Gilded Age giants had the better progressive credentials. In one corner stands Roosevelt, the war hero and manly man who busted the Standard Oil monopoly, protected national lands, and worked to improve labor conditions. He was also a defiant imperialist who thought it was the duty of America to spread civilization to backward, pagan countries, whether they wanted it or not. In the other corner stands the genius writer and humorist Twain, who helped expose the moral evil of slavery and thought the United States had no business helping “liberate” the Philippines from Spain. He was also a wealthy venture capitalist whose best friends were oil barons and thought government had no business telling John Rockefeller what to do. Roosevelt and Twain were alike in many ways: voluminous writers, beloved celebrities, wealthy men who enjoyed great success and suffered terrible personal tragedy and who opposed slavery but not white supremacy. McFarland’s story is both personal and political, focusing on the lives and philosophies of both subjects....The still-relevant contrast between these two American powerhouses is well told. Both men were consumed by domestic and international problems that continue to reverberate. (Kirkus Reviews )

Author McFarland (Hawthorne in Concord) succeeds in his purpose of portraying the similarities and differences between two iconic American personages as they responded to the issues of their day—imperialism, racism, corporations, and the end of America’s westward movement—during the period from 1890 until Mark Twain’s death in 1910. Lyrically written and unobtrusively annotated, this book of musings on episodes in the lives of two lovers of language, both proficient in several European tongues, who embodied much of their country’s culture at the dawn of the 20th century, also includes several other individuals of note. Among them are Booker T. Washington, Andrew Carnegie, and H.H. Rogers of Standard Oil, whose business acumen Twain greatly admired. Based largely on secondary rather than primary sources, the book may surprise some with the comment that the skeptical Twain and the optimistic Roosevelt privately disliked each other. Both were noted travelers, often touring the lecture circuit. Twain spent nearly all of the 1890s (and some time thereafter) residing in Europe where, after business mishaps, he claimed he could live more cheaply.
Verdict Recommended for aficionados of turn-of-the-20th-century American literature and history, especially the general reader....This sweeping, engrossing narrative explores Twain’s and TR’s relationship, and how they became heroes of the “Gilded Age” and icons of American history and culture.
(Library Journal )

Though America’s most famous satirist and the 26th president seldom came into direct contact, here McFarland (Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe) posits the duo as dynamic foils, indicative of the social and political growing pains of the country. Differences in background and beliefs abounded: Roosevelt was an expansionist; Twain was a staunch anti-imperialist. The politician “spurn[ed] idleness, to an extent that amazed those who knew him;” the humorist embraced “the gypsy-like leaving behind of responsibilities.” Perhaps most telling of their disparate social roles is their handling of racial issues—while Twain grew vocally outraged at “The United States of Lyncherdom,” Roosevelt fretted about losing the Southern vote. McFarland doesn’t shy away from the complex notions each man had of the other—Twain called Roosevelt “one of the most likeable men that I am acquainted with,” and also “far and away the worst president we have ever had.” In addition to being a compelling duel biography, McFarland makes full use of Twain and Roosevelt’s specific moment in time, using their opinions, vitriol, and praises to explore varying sides of issues that belabored the United States at the turn of the 20th century. (Publishers Weekly )

In Mark Twain and the Colonel, Philip McFarland tells the story of the rich years of American history between 1890 and 1910 through the fully engaged involvement of two of its most vital participants. (The Birmingham News )

No two men captured the zeitgeist of Gilded Age America more than Mark Twain, the cultural icon, and Theodore Roosevelt, the political one, claims the author in this dual biography and narrative history of 1890-1910....McFarland, the author of two novels and five nonfiction works, offers here a captivating investigation of the similarities and differences between Twain and Roosevelt presented against a backdrop of politics, imperialism, commercialism, and racism of these decades....General readers already familiar with Twain and Roosevelt or those who know little about either man will be fascinated by this illuminating, comparative biography/history that displays their significance to this tumultuous era. (ForeWord Reviews )

Philip McFarland's book "Mark Twain and the Colonel" is a hybrid biography of two of the most colorful figures of their era and a fascinating look at America at the beginning of the 20th century....Readers of Mr. McFarland's very well-written book, filled with wonderful anecdotes, can judge for themselves who is the better man. (The Washington Times )

A magnificent storyteller, Philip McFarland has told the story of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century America through the intertwined lives of two of its most memorable and colorful figures: Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt. Impeccably researched, beautifully written, Mark Twain and the Colonel will delight anyone interested in American history, literature, or culture. (Jerome Loving, author of Mark Twain: The Adventures of Samuel L. Clemens )

Philip McFarland’s new book, the latest in his distinguished series of American biographies and histories, fuses two vivid stories set around the first decade of the twentieth century. One touches on the astonishing career of President Theodore Roosevelt, an eastern patrician sometimes derided as a “cowboy” and saber-rattler. He speeded the emergence of modern America from a frontier nation to a world power with far-flung interests. The second of McFarland’s stories follows the comparably astonishing career of the democrat and westerner Mark Twain, who came east from the closing western frontier and became famous as author, humorist, and universal sage. More than a century later, these two flamboyant personalities, each a distinctly native production and neither at a loss for words on every issue of their time, continue to occupy a formative place in the American style and imagination. (Justin Kaplan, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography )

Independent historian McFarland (The Brave Bostonians: Hutchinson, Quincy, Franklin, and the Coming of the American Revolution, CH, Oct'98, 36-1163) has pieced together the lives of two 19th- and early-20th-century icons, both of whom contributed greatly but differently to the nation's history. Most are aware of Roosevelt's accomplishments in the Spanish-American War, how he came to the presidency upon the assassination of William McKinley in the fall of 1901, and his subsequent accomplishments during his administration. McFarland describes Roosevelt as a man whose "name [is] shining among the brightest in our presidential firmament." Not all would agree. To the author's credit, however, he adorns Roosevelt with virtues (progressivism) and flaws (racism and imperialism). Clemens, the satirist and novelist, did not take to politicians. He was critical of Roosevelt's quest for empire. As McFarland suggests, Clemens, as a product of pastoral America, found it difficult to accept imperialism and industrialism and what both portended for the nation's future. In short, this book contributes to two different perspectives of the Gilded and Progressive eras. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. (CHOICE )

“McFarland’s story is both personal and political, focusing on the lives and philosophies of both subjects.”
(Kirkus Reviews )

Book Description

Philip McFarland is the author of five works of nonfiction: Sojourners, Sea Dangers: The Affair of the Somers, The Brave Bostonians: Hutchinson, Quincy, Franklin, and the Coming of the American Revolution, Hawthorne in Concord, and Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe. He has also published two works of fiction.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 520 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (July 16, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442212268
• ISBN-13: 978-1442212268
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #126,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Well Researched Book! July 12, 2012

By Dad of Divas TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

As someone who has always loved history, this book is a treasure trove of great information. This book serves as a biography of both of these very interesting and well known men. The author has done an amazing job at exploring both men and also setting the tone of the early century, allowing the reader to gain an in-depth perspective of the challenges of the day. The book has is ups and downs in regards to flow and readability as in some parts I found that the amount of detail that you got lost in the text. That being said, the book was still a powerful one and for anyone who likes these men, or who would like to gain a deeper knowledge of America around the turn of the 20th century, look no further!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and entertaining July 9, 2012

By Paul Gelman

Format:Hardcover

This well-written book describes the lives of Roosevelt and Twain in detail. This dual biography is also the history of the United States from 1880 to 1910. Sometimes the pace gets slow, sometimes it gets more momentum, but this book is well researched and a treat to read and has much information hitherto unknown about these two personalities and the clashes they had on different issues.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mark Twain and the Colonel is a lengthy and excellent examination of the two most famous Americans of the early 20th century July 14, 2012

By C. M Mills TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

What a pair this Twain and T.R! Esteemed biographer and historian Phillip McFarland examines these two titans of American literature and politics in great detail. As we follow their extraordinary lives we see the growth of America from a isolated agrarian democracy into a powerful empire based on expanding industry, overseas conquests and the growth of corporate America. It is a fascinating tale well told in McFarland's sparkling prose. The author's research is impressive. A handy chronology of the lives of Clemens and Roosevelt is helpful. The book is well illustrated with family and period photos of the two titans.
Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) was a genius whose legacy lives on in modern America. T.R. was born in New York City the son of great wealth to a father who was a plate glass businessman. The Roosevelt family were Dutch founders of New York City. T.R.
was a frail lad until he built his body through hard work and constant effort. TR was among many things in his storied career
an ornithologist of world fame; a rancher in the Dakota badlands; a big game hunter; a prolific author; outstanding public orator and a world traveler (as was his older contemporary Mark Twain). The bully T.R. was in his political career a civil service commissioner in D.C.; the police commissioner of New York City who wanted to reform Gotham of it many vices; the hero of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War of 1898 (where his Rough Riders Regiment honored him as their beloved and brave "Colonel."; assistant secretary of the Navy; Vice-President under the assassinated William McKinley and at 42 years of age the President of the United States. T.R. is ranked as one of America's greatest presidents.
T.R. was a scholar who read several books a day; hunted, fished, hiked and never seemed to relax.. Roosevelt's first wife Alice died in 1884 on the same night as his mother. She and T.R. had a daughter Alice who was beautiful and wityy. His second wife Edith Carow and he had several children: Ted Jr.;Kermit; Archie and Quentin (shot down in plane in World War I) and a daughter Ethel. The family lived at Oyster Hill on Long Island enjoying a warm family atmosphere goaded by their father to always lead clean lives of strenuous living.
T.R. helped preserve nature by setting aside over 23O thousand acres for public use; established food and drug regulations; sought to curb the powers of the corporations and built up the United States Navy. During his time in office the Philippines became governed by the United States after a revolt against the Yankees. Roosevelt believed in social darwinism and the ranking of various races with the Anglo-Saxon race winning his highest plaudits. Despite this racism and blindness to human equality he did invited Tuskee founder Booker. T. Washington to the White House. His civil rights record is mixed as exhibited by the Brownsville Texas affair and being quiet about racial segregation. In this regard, T.R. was a man of his times. Mark Twain criticized President Roosevelt for his belief in the survival of the fittest and hunting slaughter of thousands of animals and birds. Clemens viewed Roosevelt as the worst president in history!
Samuel Langhorne Clemens was born in Florida Missouri in 1835. He fled his home of Hannibal, Mo. at age 17. He spent several years in the West becoming a miner, inventor, land speculator, river boat pilot, printer and journalist. Clemens took the nom de plume "Mark Twain" while working on a newspaper in Nevada. He was famous for such early pieces as "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calavaras County." He drifted east where he became a reporter. Twain was a passenger on the "Quaker City" ship where he toured Europe and the Middle East producing the classic "The Innocents Abroad." He wed Olivia Langdon the frail and beautiful sister of Charlie Langodn a lad he had met on the Quaker City. Twain lived most of his life in Hartford, Conn. in the Nook Farm neighborhood. The Clemens family often spent years in Europe and also lived on Park Avenue in New York City. Twain died in his estate called Stormfield in Reddington, Connecticut in 1910. His many friends included the Standard Oil millionaire H.H. Huntingdon; the Rev. Joe Twitchell and William Dean Howells the famous author and editor. He was also friendly with Booker T. Washington the founder of the Tuskegee Intitute for African-Americans and Andrew Carnegie, the founder of U.S. Steel, who founder over 3,000 libraries and was a great philantropist.
Clemens loved his lovely wife Olivia and their children Langdon, Susie, Clara and Jean. Olivia, Langdon, Susie and Jean died before the famous author. He hated T.R.'s imperialism and the growth of America into an industrial and military giant. He is renowned for such classic works as "Tom Sawyer"; "Huckleberry Finn"; "The Prince and the Pauper"; "The Gilded Age" "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court"; "A Tramp Abroad"; "Followng the Equator"; "Roughing It"; "Life on the Mississippi" and many more short stories, novels and articles. Twain was a poor businessman who invested in the Paige typesetter which failed as well as the Webster Publishing Company. He received honorary doctorates from Oxford, Yale, the University of Missouri and many more famous groves of academe although he was self-educated (unlike T.R. who was a Harvard man).
Both Twain and Roosevelt were moral men who adored and were faithful to their families and loved America. They differed over U.S. imperialim and the rise of a corporate economy. Both men were often vain and egotistic. T.R. was more optimistic than the skeptical Twain.
"Mark Twain and the Colonel" is a magnificent dual biography which will educate the reader of what America was like over 100 years ago as seen through the eyes of two of our greatest citizens. An excellent book well written for the general public.
Well recommended!