The Singular Mark Twain

"The clearest, most comprehensive portrait yet. . . . It is almost unprecedented for a truly definitive biography of a writer of Mark Twain's stature to appear after so many years, but here it is." -The Philadelphia Inquirer"A singularly excellent biography." -The New York Sun"A real contribution to what we know of the writer who made the American language safe for literature. . . . A great glory of information." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" 'Singular' Twain is doubly good reading." -Fort Worth Star-Telegram"An even-handed narrative, fully aware of all the biographical and critical currents at work . . . but owing allegiance to no particular theoretical or psychological school of criticism." -Richmond Times-Dispatch"A delightful read and a storehouse of information and ideas that will be consulted for generations." -Portland Sunday Telegram"Refreshing. . . . Full of new material." -St. Louis Post-Dispatch"Lively. . . . Clemens feels whole because Kaplan takes the time to show him in so many different settings and situations." -The Oregonian"Comprehensive. . . . Thoroughly researched. . . . Highly readable." -Fort Worth Star-Telegram"A vividly detailed account. . . . Kaplan clearly shows the connection between Twain's writing and the people and events that surrounded his life." -Library Journal"Utimately, Kaplan's major contribution may be in what he has taken out of the Twain mythology. No longer will Twain be referred to as an inspired primitive." -Houston Chronicle"[Kaplan] has researched more fully and completely than any other has been able to do before. . . . Deeply detailed . . . rich with anecdote, facts and the humor that filled the man we have come to know as Mark Twain." -Wichita Falls Times Record News