The Boys' Life of Mark Twain

Journey back to Mark Twain's childhood and formative years with this compelling biography. Set in the port town of Hannibal, Missouri, where Twain's family moved when he was four, the book explores the city's influence on his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Against the backdrop of legal slavery in Missouri, the book also delves into how Twain's experiences shaped his views on race and equality. Readers will learn about Twain's father, an attorney and judge, and his tragic death when Twain was only 11. The book then follows Twain's path as he left school after fifth grade to become a printer's apprentice, contributing articles and sketches to the Hannibal Journal owned by his brother. Twain's journey continued as he traveled to different cities and joined the International Typographical Union, all while educating himself in public libraries. With vivid detail and insightful analysis, this biography presents a fresh perspective on the early life of one of America's most beloved writers.