The Unabridged Mark Twain

Mark Twain stories are a must in any collection. It brings innocence and adventure to anybody's imagination.

I would never be so presumptuous as to write a review of Mark Twain. I can only comment on the editor's presentation of Volume 1 of his complete works. Somehow, I came upon Volume 2 many years ago, and enjoyed it completely, to the point of saying, "I must get the first volume." I finally found it, to my ongoing contentment with the organization and presentation of this great man's works. The book is clearly laid out, background info is brief, but helpful, with no intent by the editor to add self-serving comments (which I hate). Volume 2 has been a traveller, going on vacations to Costa Rica, Alaska, Washington State, and many hours down by the Ohio River, which is 5 miles from my house. Volume 1 will now also join my travel club.

If you're here because you haven't read Mark Twain's novels and are considering it, then buy this or whatever you can find, and read it. That's probably not the case though, so I'll review this volume. This is essentially like most of the inexpensive but nice-looking collections of old literature that you see in book stores, with the leatherette covers and super shiny gilt page edges. Not super impressive, but looks good on the bookshelf. The best part about this volume is that it contains the vast majority of Twain's works that most people would want to read, including Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, The Innocents Abroad, The Prince and the Pauper, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. It also includes some classic short pieces, like The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses. In total, there is relatively little chaff in here. There is a second volume to go with this one, but it is nowhere near as good. If you want a good Twain collection to put on the bookshelf, I recommend this one.

Samuel Clemens is one of the greatest American writers ever, and this collection contains most of his best work. It is better than volume II of the collection. I am working my way through the book again for the third time in 15 years. It is worth every penny you will pay for it.

I've been reading Mark Twain for thirty years and always enjoy his sharp, acerbic wit and profound observations. The Unabridged Mark Twain is a collection of some of his best stories and essays dealing with life on the Mississippi River, travels, political commentary and general good fiction. I think one of the hallmarks of a good author is that their writings become timeless and issues pertinent then can be found today. Highly recommended reading.