The Trouble Begins Series: Mark Twain's 1884 A Pivotal Year in the Life with John Bird (Virtual - Free))

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Throughout 1884, Mark Twain’s most famous work, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, underwent the tumultuous final stages of production. During the same year, Twain launched his own publishing house, embroiled himself in presidential politics, embarked on a months-long lecture tour with George Washington Cable, thwarted a suicide attempt, found inspiration for his next novel, and attempted to master riding a high-wheeled bicycle called a velocipede—and these are merely the highlights. In Mark Twain’s 1884: A Pivotal Year in the Life, John Bird takes a “micro-biographical” approach to Twain’s life by focusing on this single year during which Twain stood at the height of his powers as a writer and enjoyed some of the happiest times with his family. The book’s day-to-day structure allows the reader to live through this year alongside the famous author. His work, family life, correspondence, business dealings, travels, and other pursuits are all explored in vivid detail. Bird’s fresh approach gives readers a broader view not only of Mark Twain as an author and celebrity, but of Mark Twain the father, uncle, husband, and friend. John Bird is Emeritus Professor of English at Winthrop University. He is the author of Mark Twain and Metaphor, editor of Mark Twain in Context, and co-editor with Judith Yaross Lee of Seeing Mad: Essays on Mad Magazine’s Humor and Legacy. He is also a past president of the Mark Twain Circle of America and the American Humor Studies Association. This event is free to all. Reserve your spot HERE!