What Is Man? (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Published in a private, limited edition in his lifetime, this dialogue offers Twain's skeptical assessment of religious belief, free will, and the nature of humanity. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

**Performed by 2001 Grammy nominated Carl Reiner, for Best Performance in spoken word audio, for Mark Twain's Letters from Earth.** --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: Green Integer (September 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892295156
• ISBN-13: 978-1892295156
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,411,058 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that changed my idea of Mankind, September 6, 2001

By	Christian Uhl (Copenhagen, Denmark) - See all my reviews

After having read the first few pages of What Is Man? I knew that I would not be able to let it go just like that. In the form of a dialogue Mark Twain raises a bunch of questions about Mankind and the way the mind works. And without revealing too much I can safely say that these are not regular everyday questions!

Whether or not one finds the questions and ideas raised in the book outrageous or greatly revolutionary, one will still be able to get many hours of reading satisfaction out of it. With his usual wit, Twain has created a beautiful dialogue that in many ways can be compared to that in Plato's The Republic. And I would be amazed if this book doesn't put your brain to work. In my case I spend hours, days and even weeks discussing the book with friends and family. I simply wanted to get other people's conceptions and opinions of the ideas raised.

What Is Man? is not just a great piece of art. It is a somewhat behaviouristic philosophy and a way of looking at Mankind. In my opinion a must in every personal library. In my own case I'll need it as an e-book on my laptop for when I'm on the road and as hard back on the book shelve when I'm sitting in my easy chair relaxing after a long day.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat redundant: But it is hard to argue with Mark Twain., April 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: What Is Man? (The Oxford Mark Twain) (Hardcover)

"What is Man" Poses the age old question "What is man" but in a new light. Even though the manuscript is over ninety years old Twains observations and understanding of the human race is still relevant today. The book answers many questions we ask ourselves about the affects of our enviroment and education, our social status. According to Twain, man originates nothing "not even a single thought" It is not what our egos want to believe. We all like to see ourselves as individuals,as masters of our own domain.After reading this book,we might have to ask ourselves again "What is Man" Definetly worth the read!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Psychology, September 15, 2000

By	Debbie C. "Debbie C" (Oh USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Is Man? (The Oxford Mark Twain) (Hardcover)

Do you wonder where your thoughts originate? Do you wonder what motivates your, or why you act or react to different situations, or just everyday life? Mark Twain, in the characters of the old man and the young man, present arguments that can change you way of looking at living. It is a must read book, that will cause you to pause...everytime a thought comes to mind and everytime you react to any situation. You will wonder who it really belongs to......take a new look into your own mind. See people from a new perspective..it is amazing.