The Saga of Mark Twain

The newly published book, “Mark Twain” by Ron Chernow came to my attention by Bill O’Reily, and I decided to make this a summer project read of it’s 1,000+ pages. I would highly recommend the book for not simply learning about the man, but the historical time and events Samuel Clements lived through and experienced.

Mark Twain was enormously gifted with intellect, a “quick on feet” persona, and a writing genius above most authors. His work receives worthwhile study in academia today. 

Regardless of his many talents, he had an over-riding real life flaw, in my view. Over his lifetime he rejected any faith-based teaching and experience causing him and his family tremendous hardship and emotional pain. A bright spot, however, was his absolute love and loyalty to his immediate family throughout his lifetime.

As a youngster, he was rebellious. One time a slave woman pulled him up out of the water after he jumped off a riverboat saying she was saving him for a future hanging!

His faith rejections led him through life adrift without a grounding anchor and truth filter. This resulted in actions and attitudes replaced by an unfettered world view thus lacking more sound thinking. 

He carelessly supported unworthy individuals who promised huge returns on his support as they allegedly launched their artistic careers never to occur.

At the height of his writing career, he became enamored with a typesetting machine doomed to failure from the start. He invested heavily in this endeavor and far too long sacking the entire family fortune (most of which was his wife’s) forcing bankruptcy. 

He ultimately earned his way back to solvency via a lengthy European exile with numerous stage performances he enjoyed far less than the audience he entertained. The family suffered living on the edge of poverty the entire time. 

A series of family tragedies (you’ll have to read the book) occurred with the family unable to cope. In a series of mood swings, he often wrongfully blamed others for his unfortunate situations including close friends and even extended family members resulting in broken relationships.

In later life he took on world politics and justice matters damaging his reputation and further breaking the bonds of his loyal readership. 

I still have a few chapters left to read and hope to see some endearing light.