Mark Twain's Book of Animals (Jumping Frogs: Undiscovered, Rediscovered, and Celebrated Writings of Mark Twain) [Hardcover]

Mark Twain (Author), Shelley Fisher Fishkin (Editor), Barry Moser (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520248554 | ISBN-13: 978-0520248557 | Publication Date: October 27, 2009 | Edition: 1

Longtime admirers of Mark Twain are aware of how integral animals were to his work as a writer, from his first stories through his final years, including many pieces that were left unpublished at his death. This beautiful volume, illustrated with 30 new images by master engraver Barry Moser, gathers writings from the full span of Mark Twain's career and elucidates his special attachment to and regard for animals. What may surprise even longtime readers and fans is that Twain was an early and ardent animal welfare advocate, the most prominent American of his day to take up that cause. Edited and selected by Shelley Fisher Fishkin, who has also supplied an introduction and afterword, Mark Twain's Book of Animals includes stories that are familiar along with those that are appearing in print for the first time.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fishkin reports that Mark Twain's career-long fascination with instinctual yet intelligent creatures inspired Chuck E. Jones's creation of cartoon icons Wile E. Coyote and Bugs Bunny. Fishkin, director of American studies at Stanford and a Mark Twain authority, showcases the humorist's shrewd observations of both exotic and common animals, including his nemesis, the housefly (I would go out of my way, and put aside my dearest occupation, to kill a fly). She contrasts intentionally educational yet humorous commentary with a brutally detailed exposé on cockfighting and a denunciation of vivisection. This collection of letters, stories, travelogues and personal recollections—some appearing in print for the first time—effectively juxtaposes witty morality with bitterness manifested in his later work in which he rails against microbes and an uncaring Creator after losing three children to illness. Fishkin presents a lucid opening essay and informative endnotes. Animal lovers and fiction readers alike will want to read this illustration of an unfamiliar facet of an American literary giant. The anthology succinctly represents Twain's admiration for the animal kingdom and relentless optimism in the face of human inadequacies. (Nov.)
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Review

"An unfamiliar facet of a literary giant. . . . Succinctly represents Twain's admiration for the animal kingdom and relentless optimism in the face of human inadequacies."--Publishers Weekly

"A work that can easily be enjoyed by the casual reader of Twain and certainly qualifies as an essential volume for the devoted Twain scholar."--Mark Twain Forum

"This collection is as entertaining, visceral, sardonic and chastising as any of his [Twain's] major works."--Kansas City Star

"Damn near flawless. . . . The perfect holiday gift-book."--Open Letters Blog

"Enjoy the tongue-twisting discourse Twain engages in with his two daughters about cats and much more."--Cat Fancy

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (October 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520248554
• ISBN-13: 978-0520248557
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)