The Biographers

This week, we are thrilled to be joined for an interview with one of the world's leading Mark Twain scholars who currently teaches at Stanford University: Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin (https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/bio) . Most recently, Professor Fishkin has published a book called "Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn's Comrade", which aims to debunk the notion that Mark Twain's character, Jim, in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist portrayal. Join us as we explore this complex subject with one of the world's leading authorities on all things Mark Twain.

Buy the book here: https://shelleyfisherfishkin.com/jim

Listen to the audiobook here: https://a.co/d/18NXmE8

It’s finally time to close the book on the life of the incomparable Mark Twain. His final ten years would not be easy, riddled with heartache and devastation, but the world at large would finally awaken to the utter genius in its midst, and his works would take their place among the great masterpieces of literature. Join us as we say goodbye to our pal, Mark Twain. (Ep. 070)

Tough times lay ahead for Mark Twain in part nine of our series on the legendary humorist. Somewhere along the way, Sam Clemens got it into his head that he was a businessman, but nothing could be further from the truth, and none of his business deals would yield any profits. He would tell the press that he was taking his family to Europe for his wife's health, but the truth was that the US dollar could go further abroad. For nine years, the Clemens family would live in exile, before Sam would finally decide to pay off his debts by going on a worldwide lecture tour... But the tough times would be far from over. We're in the home-stretch: tune in for part nine of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 069)

In part eight of our series on the godfather of American comedy, Mark Twain, we finally get into the development and publishing of his most famous novel: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The book was considered controversial upon release (and continues to be), so we take plenty of time to examine its impact. Though he still possesses a knack for writing, times are getting tough for Sam Clemens as his continued failures in the world of business lead further down the path of financial ruin. Tune in the part eight of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 068)

In part seven of our series on the incomparable Mark Twain, the godfather of American comedy finally publishes one of his most seminal works: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Though the book is largely praised by critics, its initial sales are disappointing. Seeking new inspiration, Twain soon decides to take his family on an extended trip through Europe. The journey lasts seventeen months and provides enough material for him to publish another travel book, A Tramp Abroad. Once back in the United States, Twain eventually sets out on another trip, this time alone, traveling up and down the Mississippi River. It is from this journey that he finds the inspiration for two of his most respected works: Life on the Mississippi and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Tune in to part seven of our Mark Twain series to learn more! (Ep. 067)

As we press on with the life of Mark Twain, trouble starts to brew in the early years of the 1870s. Some personal tragedy will strike the Clemens family, and Sam will experience some of his first true professional failures. Regardless, Sam and his true-love, Livy, remain hopelessly in love, and their family will continue to grow. Through the tragedies, however, Sam's ever-increasingly nostalgic brain will receive the first sparks of creativity that will ultimately lead to the creation of both The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Adventures of HuckleberryFinn. Tune in for part six of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 066)

In part five of our series on Mark Twain, the author is officially back stateside after a trip through Europe and the “Holy Land.” From these experiences, he would write his first novel, The Innocents Abroad; or, The New Pilgrim’s Progress — a smash hit that fundamentally changed the fabric of American literature. He would also launch a new lecture series called American Vandal that would receive widespread critical acclaim and send shockwaves of controversy throughout America. It would also be around this time that Mark Twain would meet the true love of his life, a beautiful and brilliant woman named Olivia Langdon. Tune in for part five of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 065)

As we continue our series, we witness the steady rise of legendary author and orator, Mark Twain, following the publication of his famous short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. After a trip to the Sandwich Islands (later known as Hawaii), Twain takes to the stage before making his way from San Francisco to New York. It’s in New York that he meets the massively influential preacher and theologian, Henry Ward Beecher, who is planning the world’s first pleasure cruise. Quick to buy a ticket, Twain later uses the story of his excursion as the basis for his first major hit: The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress. Tune in for part four of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 064)

The American Civil War has officially begun! In part three of our series on Mark Twain, we see the not-yet-writer briefly join the Missouri State Guard before fleeing west with his brother. After a few failed business attempts and an accidental case of arson, Sam Clemens lands a job as a journalist, and officially takes up the pen-name of Mark Twain. His popularity as a journalist increased over time, eventually leading him to San Francisco and the high-life that the city offered. Eventually, however, Sam's pocketbook would run dry, and to avoid a debt collector, he would lay low in a small cabin outside Sonora, California. It would be here that Sam would hear the story of a certain jumping frog in Calaveras County that he would soon thereafter turn into his first national smash-hit. Tune in to part three of Mark Twain to learn more! (Ep. 063)

In part two of our series on Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain), we follow young Sam as he enters the working world, becoming a typesetter’s apprentice in his hometown of Hannibal. His small town couldn’t hold him for long, however, and he soon hit the road, traveling around the East Coast of the United States. Eventually, Sam began to pursue a career as a steamboat pilot, spending countless hours navigating up and down the mighty Mississippi River. It was around this time that he started keeping a regular journal, noting the sights and sounds along the river and cataloging his ever-evolving wit and moral compass. But tragedy would soon strike (no spoilers!), followed not long after by the outbreak of the American Civil War. Tune in for part two of Mark Twain as we continue exploring this fascinating life! (Ep. 062)