The Mysterious Stranger (Literary Classics) [Paperback]

Mark Twain (Author)

Book Description

Series: Literary Classics | Publication Date: September 1995

In his last years, Mark Twain had become a respected literary figure whose opinions were widely sought by the press. He had also suffered a series of painful physical, economic, and emotional losses. "The Mysterious Stranger", published posthumously in 1916 and belonging to Twain's 'dark' period, belies the popular image of the affable American humorist. In this anti-religious tale, Twain denies the existence of a benign Providence, a soul, an afterlife, and even reality itself. As the Stranger in the story asserts, 'nothing exists; all is a dream'.

Product Details

• Paperback: 121 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573920398
• ISBN-13: 978-1573920391
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mark Twain (1835-1910) was an American humorist, satirist, social critic, lecturer and novelist. He is mostly remembered for his classic novels The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Great Story, December 19, 2010

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grozny - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Mysterious Stranger (Kindle Edition)

This is a side of Twain unread by those who think Huckleberry Finn and Mark Sawyer are children's books. The satire is far from humorous; the condemnation of Man is damning and totally accurate. The picture of ignorant, brutal, and short lives captures the religiosity of the Middle Ages (and of much of the present). If only for its treatment of the "moral sense," this story is worth re-reading. Obviously, the human idiocy Twain describes still exists.
Obviously, we still operate in the darkness Twain portrays. Obviously, if angels existed, they would be more like the character in this story than in our common picture of them.
Should be required reading for every student of religion or good writing, especially for those who ponder the question of why bad things happen to good people.
Note that in my version, there are two other short stories that follow this one. They are somewhat inconsequential and neither add or detract from the value of this edition.

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, April 5, 2010

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G. P. Gutierrez (Cooper City, FL, US) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mysterious Stranger (Kindle Edition)

I'm not a huge fan of Mark Twain and his works, but I do love this story. The religious overtones and distant settings blend to make a very good, witch trial/McCarthy feel that hits close to home. It is really a "can't put it down" read.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic story telling, January 13, 2011

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Joe - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Mysterious Stranger (Kindle Edition)

This is what Mark Twain is all about great story telling, yet the subject matter is unique for him. It is a fairly quick read and worth 2 shots at it. It is entertaining as the pacing is fast and interesting and it is also mysterious which keeps you turning pages. It deals with the struggles of man and his existence which are still very relevant today and it all seems fitting as this as I understand his last piece of work.