From his biting sarcasm to his witty social commentary, Mark Twain defined 19th-century America. His classic literary works, including his beloved tale of Tom Sawyer and his more controversial story about the irascible Huck Finn, continue to enthrall readers of all ages. Ron Powers’ masterful biography, “Mark Twain: A Life,” captures the essence of Twain’s genius, pointing out his many talents and considerable flaws.
This year’s “Read Me Treasure Valley” community reading project featured “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and Powers spoke at Boise State University in February as part of a number of “Read Me” events held across the Valley. In his fine biography, Powers offers insights that will enrich the reading of any of Twain’s celebrated works and serve to deepen appreciation of this great American writer.
Powers grew up in Hannibal, Mo., in the shadow of the town’s most famous citizen. As a writer himself, it seemed inevitable that he would one day chronicle Twain’s life. But with so many biographies already written, Powers’ task was daunting. His work would have to show a side of Twain that others had not. “Mark Twain: A Life” rises to the challenge.
While Twain is best known for his written works, he also was a man of contradiction. His words could, and did, cut to the quick. He had a short temper, a penchant for alcohol and little patience for opposing points of view. He was witty, acerbic, supportive, spiteful, tender and mean, sometimes all within the same day. He honed his talent for cussing, drinking and lying in the rough mining towns of Nevada and yet was able to dazzle the elite at high society events. He married the daughter of an abolitionist but has been accused of being racist.
Powers uses thousands of firsthand accounts from those who knew him best, including Twain’s family and his closest friend, William Dean Howells, to paint a portrait of this complicated man. He neither spares the reader the messy details nor apologizes for his subject’s faults. Twain’s life is left to speak for itself.
And what a life. Known for his talent as a gifted novelist and orator, he also was a typesetter, riverboat pilot, prospector, lecturer, Confederate deserter, publisher, travel writer, family man, inventor, humorist and the toast of Europe.
In a day when flowery oratory was considered the mark of a successful writer, he loved the lyricism of the common voice. His stories bring vivid, 3D clarity to the man on the street, the Southern slave, the high society woman and the small-town child. His audience responded with enthusiasm to his characters, his stories and his language.
Due to his enormous popularity in print and as a sought-after speaker, Twain made and lost a fortune over his lifetime. But while wealth was fleeting, more than 100 years after his death, his fame continues to grow. He is, and will ever be, the voice of Americana.
