Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn [Hardcover]

Stewart Ross (Author), Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999 | Age Level: 10 and up

Young Samuel Clemens was the churchgoing son of a respected man, but he loved to spend lazy hours barefoot on the banks of the Mississippi with "outsiders" such as the slave "Uncle Dan'l" and the illiterate, wild Tom Blankenship—friends who would later become the inspiration for Jim and Huck in one of the most important novels in American literature. Who was Sam Clemens? He was a famous humorist, yet was often moody and miserable. He was hugely successful, but he went bankrupt. As he explores the debate surrounding the publication of Huckleberry Finn, (and examines why it remains controversial today), Stewart Ross creates a memorable portrait of a man almost larger than life, who made an indelible impact on America and its literature. It is a portrait as vivid and unforgettable as the man himself. —*Kirkus Reviews for Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-As he did in Charlotte Bront? and Jane Eyre (1997) and Shakespeare and Macbeth (1994, both Viking), Ross explores a famous author and his characters. Here, he introduces readers to Samuel Clemens and the dual personality of the witty satirist who suffered from depression. Beginning with Clemens's early life in Hannibal, MO, readers learn of his childhood and varied careers from typesetter to riverboat captain and finally to writer, lecturer, and failed businessman. Focusing on Huckleberry Finn, the author notes some of the real-life inspirations for characters and situations in the novel. He discusses Clemens's writing style and explains that in writing humor, the author subtly exposed the pretensions and absurdities of American society. Ross addresses the controversy of racially prejudiced views and morally dubious tones in this novel and suggests that Clemens painted a realistic picture of the pre-Civil War South. Two sidebars offer facts that place the man and his work in historical context. Himler's full-page watercolors and occasional black-and-white illustrations add to the text. While the picture-book format will initially appeal to younger readers, the information here will be helpful for students and language-arts teachers seeking background information for research and reports.
Shawn Brommer, Southern Tier Library System, Painted Post, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

This is a well-written and illuminating picture-book length biography of a man whose humorous view of life and somewhat wild side appeal to readers of all ages. Children learn how after the untimely death of his father, Samuel Clemens went to work as an apprentice printer and was paid in room and board and ``his boss's cast-off clothing.'' This led to working as a typesetter and finally to a career in journalism. Ross (Charlotte Bront and Jane Eyre, 1997, etc.) deftly demonstrates that this writer's outstanding achievement was giving voice to the American spirit; his finest creation, Huckleberry Finn, praised the independent spirit above all. Himler's evocative paintings and black-and-white line drawings portray the talent and genius of this American writer, against the landscapes and vistas that he made his own. (chronology, further reading) (Picture book/biography. 9-12) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile; 670th edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670881813
• ISBN-13: 978-0670881819
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,287,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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