Mark Twain

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-Laced with quotes from Twain's letters, journals, and memoirs, this readable biography presents the humorist's personal life, literary accomplishments, and role as a social critic. Although he spoke out against all forms of injustice, Twain himself harbored some of the attitudes he condemned; an example is his racial prejudice, which he nearly conquered but retained to some extent throughout his life. Cox discusses his subject's faults and foibles in a candid manner seldom seen in juvenile biographies, yet does not allow Twain's weaknesses to dominate the portrait. Huck Finn's creator emerges as a loving and loyal family man, a skilled jack-of-all-trades, a globetrotting journalist/lecturer, and, above all, a literary genius who utilized trenchant wit to comment on society's shortcomings. The writing style is straightforward, fast-paced, and anecdotal. Helpful additions include a detailed and well-organized index and a substantial bibliography. Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout. Richard Lyttle's Mark Twain (Atheneum, 1994) covers much the same ground, but with a more traditional approach to the writer's complex character. A good choice for students of Twain or seekers of a stimulating biography.-Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library

Mary Harris Veeder

Cox's biography is best read as a whole, rather than in pieces, because Twain's complexity as a writer and as a person is cumulative. Cox compliments young readers by assuming they can follow a life unfolding without chapter summaries. He recounts many specific incidents to give the flavor of Twain's humor and pessimism and devotes an epilogue to racial issues in Twain's life and work. Cox does not simplify Twain's views on race; rather, he shows how they changed. A book that will bridge the gap between children's and adult biographies of the famous writer. The bibliography will serve report writers.